literature review on soil and water conservation

Advertisement

Research on ecosystem services of water conservation and soil retention: a bibliometric analysis

• Research Article
• Published: 08 September 2020
• Volume 28 , pages 2995–3007, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

• Sinuo Liu 1 ,
• Yin Lei 1 ,
• Jinsong Zhao 1 ,
• Shuxia Yu   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-3606-3639 1 &
• Ling Wang 1  

1068 Accesses

10 Citations

Explore all metrics

Water conservation and soil retention are two essential regulating services that are closely related, and their relationship might produce synergies or trade-offs. Distinguishing the current status and evolution of research in this field could provide a scientific foundation for subsequent research. “Water conservation” and “soil retention” were selected as keywords for a search of Web of Science for publications during 1976–2018. A total of 4489 periodical articles were obtained. Using bibliometric and social network analysis tools, the scientific output performance, national research contributions, potential hot topics, and connections between keywords and the levels of cooperation between countries at different stages were explored to reveal the related development trends. The results showed that the literature on water conservation and soil retention increased rapidly, especially after 2008. The USA, China, and India were the most productive countries, and the USA, the UK, and Canada were the most influential countries regarding international cooperation. Agriculture, water resource utilization, water–soil erosion, and ecosystem services were closely related topics, and the connections between these topics have increased since 1998. In addition to sustainability, the response of water conservation and soil retention to global environmental change, such as water resource management, land use, and land conservation, are potential emerging research hotspots.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Bibliometric analysis of climate change and water quality

Jin Gao, Shiying Zhu, … Yingyue Cao

Global soil science research on drylands: an analysis of research evolution, collaboration, and trends

José de Souza Oliveira Filho & Marcos Gervasio Pereira

Global trends and prospects of blue carbon sinks: a bibliometric analysis

Lu Jiang, Tang Yang & Jing Yu

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Adhikari K, Hartemink AE (2016) Linking soils to ecosystem services—a global review. Geoderma 262:101–111

Article   CAS   Google Scholar  

Alcamo J, Bennett EM, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (Program) (2003) Ecosystems and human well-being: a framework for assessment. Island Press, Washington

Google Scholar  

An WH, Liu YH (2016) keyplayer: an R package for locating key players in social networks. R J 8:257–268

Article   Google Scholar  

Asbjornsen H, Hernandez-Santana V, Liebman M, Bayala J, Chen J, Helmers M, Ong CK, Schulte LA (2014) Targeting perennial vegetation in agricultural landscapes for enhancing ecosystem services. Renew Agric Food Syst 29:101–125

Aznar-Sanchez JA, Belmonte-Urena LJ, Lopez-Serrano MJ, Velasco-Munoz JF (2018) Forest ecosystem services: an analysis of worldwide research. Forests 9(8):453. https://doi.org/10.3390/f9080453

Aznar-Sanchez JA, Velasco-Munoz JF, Belmonte-Urena LJ, Manzano-Agugliaro F (2019) The worldwide research trends on water ecosystem services. Ecol Indic 99:310–323

Bagstad KJ, Semmens DJ, Waage S, Winthrop R (2013) A comparative assessment of decision-support tools for ecosystem services quantification and valuation. Ecosyst Serv 5:E27–E39

Balkanlou KR, Muller B, Cord AF, Panahi F, Malekian A, Jafari M, Egli L (2020) Spatiotemporal dynamics of ecosystem services provision in a degraded ecosystem: a systematic assessment in the Lake Urmia basin, Iran. Sci Total Environ 716:137100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137100

Bennett EM, Peterson GD, Gordon LJ (2009) Understanding relationships among multiple ecosystem services. Ecol Lett 12:1394–1404

Bodin O, Crona BI (2009) The role of social networks in natural resource governance: what relational patterns make a difference? Glob Environ Chang 19:366–374

Borgatti SP (2006) Identifying sets of key players in a social network. Comput Math Organ Theory 12:21–34

Borgatti SP (2009) Network analysis in the social sciences. Science 323:892–895

Brandes U (2001) A faster algorithm for betweenness centrality. J Math Sociol 25:163–177

Carpenter SR, Mooney HA, Agard J, Capistrano D, DeFries RS, Diaz S, Dietz T, Duraiappah AK, Oteng-Yeboah A, Pereira HM, Perrings C, Reid WV, Sarukhan J, Scholes RJ, Whyte A (2009) Science for managing ecosystem services: beyond the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106:1305–1312

Chen YM, Li X, Liu XP, Zhang YY, Huang M (2019) Tele-connecting China’s future urban growth to impacts on ecosystem services under the shared socioeconomic pathways. Sci Total Environ 652:765–779

Costanza R, d’Arge R, de Groot R, Farber S, Grasso M, Hannon B, Limburg K, Naeem S, Oneill RV, Paruelo J, Raskin RG, Sutton P, van den Belt M (1997) The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387:253–260

Daily GC (1997) Nature’s services: societal dependence on natural ecosystems natures services societal dependence on natural ecosystems. Island Press, Washington

de la Cruz-Lovera C, Perea-Moreno AJ, de la Cruz-Fernandez JL, Montoya FG, Alcayde A, Manzano-Agugliaro F (2019) Analysis of research topics and scientific collaborations in energy saving using bibliometric techniques and community detection. Energies 12:23

Fliervoet JM, Geerling GW, Mostert E, Smits AJM (2016) Analyzing collaborative governance through social network analysis: a case study of river management along the Waal River in The Netherlands. Environ Manag 57:355–367

Freeman LC (1978) Centrality in social networks conceptual clarification. Soc Networks 1:215–239

Girvan M, Newman MEJ (2002) Community structure in social and biological networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 99:7821–7826

Godfray HCJ, Beddington JR, Crute IR, Haddad L, Lawrence D, Muir JF, Pretty J, Robinson S, Thomas SM, Toulmin C (2010) Food security: the challenge of feeding 9 billion people. Science 327:812–818

Goncalves MCP, Kieckbusch TG, Perna RF, Fujimoto JT, Morales SAV, Romanelli JP (2019) Trends on enzyme immobilization researches based on bibliometric analysis. Process Biochem 76:95–110

Haberman D, Bennett EM (2019) Ecosystem service bundles in global hinterlands. Environ Res Lett 14:084005. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab26f7

Hawksworth DL, Colwell RR (1992) Microbial-diversity-21 - biodiversity amongst microorganisms and its relevance. Biodivers Conserv 1:221–226

Holdren JP, Ehrlich PR (1974) Human population and global environment. Am Sci 62:282–292

CAS   Google Scholar  

Huang L, Liao FH, Lohse KA, Larson DM, Fragkias M, Lybecker DL, Baxter CV (2019) Land conservation can mitigate freshwater ecosystem services degradation due to climate change in a semiarid catchment: the case of the portneuf river catchment, Idaho, USA. Sci Total Environ 651:1796–1809

Keesstra S, Nunes J, Novara A, Finger D, Avelar D, Kalantari Z, Cerda A (2018) The superior effect of nature based solutions in land management for enhancing ecosystem services. Sci Total Environ 610:997–1009

Krishnaswamy J, Bonell M, Venkatesh B, Purandara BK, Rakesh KN, Lele S, Kiran MC, Reddy V, Badiger S (2013) The groundwater recharge response and hydrologic services of tropical humid forest ecosystems to use and reforestation: support for the “infiltration-evapotranspiration trade-off hypothesis”. J Hydrol 498:191–209

Leh MDK, Matlock MD, Cummings EC, Nalley LL (2013) Quantifying and mapping multiple ecosystem services change in West Africa. Agric Ecosyst Environ 165:6–18

Li W, Zhao Y (2015) Bibliometric analysis of global environmental assessment research in a 20-year period. Environ Impact Assess Rev 50:158–166

Li EY, Liao CH, Yen HR (2013) Co-authorship networks and research impact: a social capital perspective. Res Policy 42:1515–1530

Liu WJ, Wang JS, Li C, Chen BX, Sun YF (2019) Using bibliometric analysis to understand the recent progress in agroecosystem services research. Ecol Econ 156:293–305

Mao GZ, Huang N, Chen L, Wang HM (2018) Research on biomass energy and environment from the past to the future: a bibliometric analysis. Sci Total Environ 635:1081–1090

Marques M, Bangash RF, Kumar V, Sharp R, Schuhmacher M (2013) The impact of climate change on water provision under a low flow regime: a case study of the ecosystems services in the Francoli river basin. J Hazard Mater 263:224–232

Mathieu B, Sebastien H, Mathieu J (2009) Gephi: an open source software for exploring and manipulating networks. International AAAI Conference on Web and Social Media. https://www.aaai.org/ocs/index.php/ICWSM/09/paper/view/154 . Accessed 12 Jan 2020

Mengist W, Soromessa T, Legese G (2020) Ecosystem services research in mountainous regions: a systematic literature review on current knowledge and research gaps. Sci Total Environ 702:134581. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134581

Naidoo R, Balmford A, Costanza R, Fisher B, Green RE, Lehner B, Malcolm TR, Ricketts TH (2008) Global mapping of ecosystem services and conservation priorities. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 105:9495–9500

Nelson E, Mendoza G, Regetz J, Polasky S, Tallis H, Cameron DR, Chan KMA, Daily GC, Goldstein J, Kareiva PM, Lonsdorf E, Naidoo R, Ricketts TH, Shaw MR (2009) Modeling multiple ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, commodity production, and tradeoffs at landscape scales. Front Ecol Environ 7:4–11

Newman MEJ (2003) The structure and function of complex networks. SIAM Rev 45:167–256

Parmesan C, Yohe G (2003) A globally coherent fingerprint of climate change impacts across natural systems. Nature 421:37–42

Patel NG, Rorres C, Joly DO, Brownstein JS, Boston R, Levy MZ, Smith G (2015) Quantitative methods of identifying the key nodes in the illegal wildlife trade network. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112:7948–7953

Pauna VH, Picone F, Le Guyader G, Buonocore E, Franzese PP (2018) The scientific research on ecosystem services: a bibliometric analysis. Ecol Quest 29:53–62. https://doi.org/10.12775/EQ.2018.022

Persson OR, Danell J, Wiborg S (2009) How to use BibExcel for various types of bibliometric analysis. In: Åström F (ed) Celebrating scholarly communication studies: a Festschrift for Olle Persson at his 60th Birthday. International Society for Scientometrics and Informetrics, Belgium, pp 9–24

Phama HV, Torresan S, Critto A, Marcomini A (2019) Alteration of freshwater ecosystem services under global change - a review focusing on the Po River basin (Italy) and the Red River basin (Vietnam). Sci Total Environ 652:1347–1365

Qiao X, Gu Y, Zou C, Xu D, Wang L, Ye X, Yang Y, Huang X (2019) Temporal variation and spatial scale dependency of the trade-offs and synergies among multiple ecosystem services in the Taihu Lake Basin of China. Sci Total Environ 651:218–229

R Core Team (2019) R: a language and environment for statistical computing. R for Statistical Computing, Vienna

Raudsepp-Hearne C, Peterson GD, Bennett EM (2010) Ecosystem service bundles for analyzing tradeoffs in diverse landscapes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 107:5242–5247

Redhead JW, May L, Oliver TH, Hamel P, Sharp R, Bullock JM (2018) National scale evaluation of the InVEST nutrient retention model in the United Kingdom. Sci Total Environ 610-611:666–677

Renard D, Rhemtulla JM, Bennett EM (2015) Historical dynamics in ecosystem service bundles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 112:13411–13416

Ring I, Hansjurgens B, Elmqvist T, Wittmer H, Sukhdev P (2010) Challenges in framing the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity: the TEEB initiative. Curr Opin Environ Sustain 2:15–26

Romanelli JP, Fujimoto JT, Ferreira MD, Milanez DH (2018) Assessing ecological restoration as a research topic using bibliometric indicators. Ecol Eng 120:311–320

Sahle M, Saito O, Furst C, Yeshitela K (2019) Quantifying and mapping of water-related ecosystem services for enhancing the security of the food-water-energy nexus in tropical data-sparse catchment. Sci Total Environ 646:573–586

Sala OE, Chapin FS, Armesto JJ, Berlow E, Bloomfield J, Dirzo R, Huber-Sanwald E, Huenneke LF, Jackson RB, Kinzig A, Leemans R, Lodge DM, Mooney HA, Oesterheld M, Poff NL, Sykes MT, Walker BH, Walker M, Wall DH (2000) Biodiversity - global biodiversity scenarios for the year 2100. Science 287:1770–1774

Sandstrom A, Rova C (2010) Adaptive co-management networks: a comparative analysis of two fishery conservation areas in Sweden. Ecol Soc 15:14 http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol15/iss3/art14/

Schroter D, Cramer W, Leemans R, Prentice IC, Araujo MB, Arnell NW, Bondeau A, Bugmann H, Carter TR, Gracia CA, de la Vega-Leinert AC, Erhard M, Ewert F, Glendining M, House JI, Kankaanpaa S, Klein RJT, Lavorel S, Lindner M, Metzger MJ, Meyer J, Mitchell TD, Reginster I, Rounsevell M, Sabate S, Sitch S, Smith B, Smith J, Smith P, Sykes MT, Thonicke K, Thuiller W, Tuck G, Zaehle S, Zierl B (2005) Ecosystem service supply and vulnerability to global change in Europe. Science 310:1333–1337

Seppelt R, Dormann CF, Eppink FV, Lautenbach S, Schmidt S (2011) A quantitative review of ecosystem service studies: approaches, shortcomings and the road ahead. J Appl Ecol 48:630–636

Serna-Chavez HM, Schulp CJE, van Bodegom PM, Bouten W, Verburg PH, Davidson MD (2014) A quantitative framework for assessing spatial flows of ecosystem services. Ecol Indic 39:24–33

Shaw DJ (2007) World food security: a history since 1945. Palgrave Macmillan, London

Book   Google Scholar  

Solbrig OT (1994) Plant traits and adaptive strategies: their role in ecosystem function. In: Schulze E-D, Mooney HA (eds) Biodiversity and ecosystem function. Springer, Berlin

Thomas CD, Cameron A, Green RE, Bakkenes M, Beaumont LJ, Collingham YC, Erasmus BFN, de Siqueira MF, Grainger A, Hannah L, Hughes L, Huntley B, van Jaarsveld AS, Midgley GF, Miles L, Ortega-Huerta MA, Peterson AT, Phillips OL, Williams SE (2004) Extinction risk from climate change. Nature 427:145–148

Tilman D, Cassman KG, Matson PA, Naylor R, Polasky S (2002) Agricultural sustainability and intensive production practices. Nature 418:671–677

Tomscha SA, Gergel SE (2016) Ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies misunderstood without landscape history. Ecol Soc 21:43 http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol21/iss1/art43/

Turner WR, Brandon K, Brooks TM, Costanza R, da Fonseca GAB, Portela R (2007) Global conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Bioscience 57:868–873

Turner WR, Brandon K, Brooks TM, Gascon C, Gibbs HK, Lawrence KS, Mittermeier RA, Selig ER (2012) Global biodiversity conservation and the alleviation of poverty. Bioscience 62:85–92

Turner KG, Odgaard MV, Bøcher PK, Dalgaard T, Svenning J-C (2014) Bundling ecosystem services in Denmark: trade-offs and synergies in a cultural landscape. Landsc Urban Plan 125:89–104

Valente TW, Fujimoto K (2010) Bridging: Locating critical connectors in a network. Soc Networks 32:212–220

Walther GR, Post E, Convey P, Menzel A, Parmesan C, Beebee TJC, Fromentin JM, Hoegh-Guldberg O, Bairlein F (2002) Ecological responses to recent climate change. Nature 416:389–395

Wang Z, Wang YW, Peng S, Niu BB, Cui C, Wu JY (2019) Mapping the research of energy subsidies: a bibliometric analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 26:28817–28828

Watts DJ, Strogatz SH (1998) Collective dynamics of ‘small-world’ networks. Nature 393:440–442

Westman WE (1977) How much are natures services worth. Science 197:960–964

Wu X, Liu SL, Zhao S, Hou XY, Xu JW, Dong SK, Liu GH (2019a) Quantification and driving force analysis of ecosystem services supply, demand and balance in China. Sci Total Environ 652:1375–1386

Wu X, Pan J, Li M, Li Y, Bartlam M, Wang Y (2019b) Selective enrichment of bacterial pathogens by microplastic biofilm. Water Res 165:114979. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2019.114979

Yang SQ, Zhao WW, Liu YX, Wang S, Wang J, Zhai RJ (2018) Influence of land use change on the ecosystem service trade-offs in the ecological restoration area: dynamics and scenarios in the Yanhe watershed, China. Sci Total Environ 644:556–566

Yu HJ, Wang YT, Li X, Wang CD, Sun MX, Du AS (2019) Measuring ecological capital: state of the art, trends, and challenges. J Clean Prod 219:833–845

Zhang Y, Huang K, Yu YJ, Yang BB (2017) Mapping of water footprint research: a bibliometric analysis during 2006–2015. J Clean Prod 149:70–79

Zhou JZ, Deng Y, Luo F, He ZL, Tu QC, Zhi XY (2010) Functional molecular ecological networks. mBio 1(4):e00169–e00110. https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.00169-10

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Professor Zhen Wang for his comments and suggestions on the revision of the manuscript.

This work was supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0505406) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41877070).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China

Sinuo Liu, Yin Lei, Jinsong Zhao, Shuxia Yu & Ling Wang

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

Conceptualization: Shuxia Yu; methodology: Jinsong Zhao; formal analysis and investigation: Sinuo Liu, Yin Lei; writing—original draft preparation: Sinuo Liu; writing—review and editing: Sinuo Liu, Shuxia Yu, Ling Wang; funding acquisition: Shuxia Yu; data curation: Sinuo Liu, Yin Lei; validation: Sinuo Liu, Jinsong Zhao; supervision: Shuxia Yu, Ling Wang.

Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Shuxia Yu or Ling Wang .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

Additional information.

Responsible Editor: Philippe Garrigues

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Liu, S., Lei, Y., Zhao, J. et al. Research on ecosystem services of water conservation and soil retention: a bibliometric analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28 , 2995–3007 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10712-4

Download citation

Received : 13 June 2020

Accepted : 01 September 2020

Published : 08 September 2020

Issue Date : January 2021

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-10712-4

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Ecosystem services
• Water conservation
• Soil retention
• Bibliometric analysis
• Social network analysis
• Development trends
• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• Elsevier - PMC COVID-19 Collection

Achieving sustainable soil and water protection: The perspective of agricultural water price regulation on environmental protection

Lichen chou.

a Business School, Shantou University, Shantou 515000, China

b Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Xiaoyan Qian

c Business School, Hohai University, Nanjing 210000, China

Aliakbar Karimipour

d Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam

Xuping Zheng

e School of Economics and Management, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China

With the development of Chinese economy, more and more attention has been paid to environmental protection, the implementation of water price policy affects economic and environmental changes in China. This paper analyzes the impact of water price policy on agricultural land use and the scale of water pollution discharge in 240 cities in China between 2001 and 2017, by including data from China Urban Statistical Yearbook and China Land & Resources Almanac. The theoretical analysis of this study indicates that the optimal scale of pollution depends on the local initial endowment, economic investment capital and the marginal cost of environmental pollution caused by government's economic activities. Furtherly, the economic activities have a worsening impact on environmental pollution, but when the government implements environmental protection and water price policy measures in response to environmental pollution caused by economic activities, it has a significant impact on the decline in the scale of pollution. The government has promoted the pollution suppression model in the formulation of water prices, which has internalized the external cost of pollution in economic activities and can effectively reduce the scale of agricultural water pollution discharge.

1. Introduction

China is a large agricultural country with a large population. Therefore, agricultural production, food security and farmer's income are all important issues. However, all these agricultural activities are fundamentally related to soil and water resources, which are a necessity for agricultural production. It is obvious that agricultural irrigation water in China is subjected to double pressure from supply and demand. On the supply side, due to the shortage of water resources per capita, uneven distribution between North and South, prominent water pollution and ecosystem degradation, water resource shortage has become an important constraint to social and economic development. At the same time, the rapid growth of industrial and domestic water demand and agricultural irrigation water has formed a fierce competition, leading to a significant reduction in the irrigation water supply.

Although rapid economic changes after China's reform and opening-up have led to an increase in per capita income, the destruction of the natural environment is becoming increasingly serious. The available water resources in economic activities decrease year by year. According to the China Environment Statistical Yearbook ( National Bureau of Statistics of China, 2018 ), China's total water resources in 2018 totaled 2876.1 billion cubic meters. However, it has only increased by 3.83% since 2000, at the same time, water resources per capita have been reduced from 2193.9 cubic meters in 2000–2074.5 cubic meters in 2017, and water available per capita has been declining year by year. The decline of available water resources per capita, the demand for economic activities, and the requirement of natural and ecological environment protection affect the current water utilization in China. In addition, with the growth of Chinese economy and the acceleration of urbanization, the transfer of rural labor force reduces the agricultural labor force, but also increases the demand for agricultural products. The requirements of products inevitably affect the needs of water resources utilization and cost considerations in the production process. Therefore, it has become a meaningful topic for the government to adjust policies to achieve the goals of economic growth, environmental protection, and resource utilization. As the agricultural population in China still accounts for the majority, how to increase farmers' income has become an urgent issue. Agricultural income is an important factor that affects farmers' enthusiasm towards grain production, meanwhile, it is also a focus of policy. Since 1978, the income of farmers has increased greatly in rural areas of China ( Hong and Sun, 2020 ). However, all the time, the development of agriculture is still faced with constraints from both financial resources and environmental resources ( Jin and Jin, 2020 ).

As the economy took off, the flow of state finance shifted mainly to the non-agricultural sector. In order to respond, various financial measures were adopted. For example, China has carried out tax-sharing reform for the development of the agricultural sector and promoted the value-added tax of major taxes to deal with the problems faced by agricultural workers since 1994 ( Song, 2020 ). Moreover, as agricultural activities have a huge demand for water, for this reason, water conservation has also become one of the goals need to be achieved. Because water supply needs to invest public resources and has the characteristics of natural monopoly, it is necessary to use government power to conduct price regulation. Since 1994, Chinese government has been promoting various measures related to water price reform, water price improvement, water price subsidies and allowance, with a view to maintaining agricultural output value and reducing the economic burden of farmers. The purpose of agricultural subsidies is to promote agricultural development and protect the interests of domestic agricultural producers. The agricultural subsidy policy is one of the most important agricultural policies in China. Therefore, it is widely discussed by both Chinese and foreign scholars ( Wang and Cao, 2008 , Sun, 2011 , Cui et al., 2017 , Love et al., 2019 ). However, over the years, economic development has brought negative impacts on the environment to a certain degree. Coupled with population growth and other factors that restrict the supply of water resources per capita, government revises water pricing regulations quite frequently. Current studies seldom explored the influence of China’s water pricing regulations and policies on water management, especially it's meaning for achieving sustainable soil and water protection.

The current regulation of water price in China originated from the Water Law of the People's Republic of China in 1988, and was amended many times in August 2002, August 2009 and July 2016 respectively. In addition to the regulations of the central government, other departments often launch relevant measures as well. For example, in order to protect the utilization of agricultural water and soil resources, in March 2006, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Water Resources put forward the Notice on strengthening the management of water price in agricultural end canal system , hoping to carry out the terminal water price system that promotes the metering charge of agricultural water for farmers ( Shao, 2019 ). On the basis of clarifying the property right, clearing up the assets and checking the capital, controlling the personnel and constraining the cost, it shall be checked and approved in accordance with the principle of compensating the operation and maintenance expenses of the agricultural end canal system. From the perspective of economics, this kind of specification is the type of internalizing external cost. Through the pricing mode of water price, the environmental pollution problem can be internalized to promote production. While carrying out economic activities, the management and control of environmental pollution are considered simultaneously, so as to achieve the goal of maintaining sustained economic activities and guaranteeing water and soil resources.

In recent years, the Chinese government has paid much more attention to environmental protection. Basically, relevant improvement programs of water source and water price regulation are launched every year. For example, in 2017, the National Development and Reform Commission and other five departments jointly issued The Notice on Solidly Promoting the Reform of Agricultural Water Price , in 2018, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs jointly issued The Notice on Increasing Efforts to Promote the Comprehensive Reform of Agricultural Water Price , basically showing an annual adjustment pattern. From this background, it can be seen that China is trying to protect soil and water resources in various regions, agricultural and forestry areas through water price and other policies. The purpose of this study is to analyze the causal relationship between agricultural water price policy and environment, and to explore the impact of water price measures. Referring to studies like Cai and Treisman, 2005 , Zhang et al., 2011 , Yu et al., 2015 , this paper considers the impact of regional endowment of Chinese local government, economic capital and water price policies and measures on environmental pollution and focus on water pollution. In the next section, the present study will review previous relevant theories and literature, and clarify the supplementary role of this paper for the past research gap. Then, on this basis, the methodology and research results of this paper will be presented.

2. Literature review

2.1. water resources value theory.

Estimating the value of water resources is the premise of setting the price of water resources. Western classical axiology mainly includes land rent theory, labor theory of value, utility theory of value, equilibrium theory of value, etc. ( Qin, 2013 ). On this basis, Gan et al. (2012) summarized the total attribute value of water resources into use value, property value, labor value, and compensation value. Li and Gao, 1987 , Li, 1990 , Li et al., 1991 pointed out that the basic criteria of resource accounting are economic returns and discussed the basic criteria and methods of water resource value accounting to some extent. Some scholars also believed that the value of water resources has time flow, space flow and space-time flow ( Zhong et al., 2012 ). Aiming at the difference between value and price, Jiang et al. (1993) conducted a study and pointed out that the former is essentially the capitalization of the land rent of water resources. To obtain the right of use, water users pay the money amount to the owners of water resources (state or collective, etc.) whether the water resources include human labor or not. The latter is the amount of money paid to the operator when the water user purchases the water, and proposes that the water resource value, production cost and normal profit together constitute the water resource price ( Jiang and Wang, 1996 ). However, in recent years, some scholars have discussed the strategic role of agricultural water-saving on agricultural green development and rural revitalization, and pointed out that the current price of agricultural water is much lower than the value of water resources, and the comprehensive benefit of agricultural water-saving is based on the value of water resources ( Ma, 2019 ). It can be seen that the research on the value theory of water resources is based on the value theory in the field of capital and economy in the early stage, and ecology is gradually considered and become a new trend. Influenced by such cognition and actual demand, countries have gradually begun to reflect the intention of ecological protection and resource conservation in water price setting.

2.2. China’s policy transformation towards sustainable water

With regard to the issue of how to make water prices in China, the Chinese government has put forward relevant policies in the past. Table 1 summarizes some most important water price regulations and implementation objectives in recent years. In China, various policies mainly refer to the five-year plan. China's related environmental policy changes are mainly compared with the economic activities in the past five years, which are cycled every five years. In the past, China’s policies focused on economic growth. However, with the slowdown of economic activities and the deterioration of environmental pollution, in recent years, more and more emphasis has been placed on environmental protection. Under the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, the Chinese government did not emphasize the economic growth target for the first time, which can be seen as a shift of attention to social and environmental issues. From the perspective of the government, "water" is a kind of public service mainly provided by the government, and the total amount of water resources, distribution of water resources, capacity of water conservancy facilities, social equity of water supply and other issues are inseparable from the public service function played by the government. However, with the development of economy and the impact of various production activities on environmental pollution in the past, the satisfaction of promoting public services is restricted by the level of development and the number of public resources. Therefore, at certain stages, part of public services must be chosen as basic public services to ensure satisfaction. In this context, we can find that the initial goal of the government's water price formulation and measures is not directly related to environmental protection. As mentioned in the introduction, the original goal of carrying out water subsidies, levies or other related systems is to reduce the burden of Chinese farmers. However, with the follow-up development of economy and the deterioration of environment, pollution control has become the direction of government when making water price. In addition, government needs to consider the reduction of water resources per capita simultaneously in the formulation of water price, therefore, the water price regulation is gradually moving towards the goal of water conservation. From the perspective of input-output, the use of water resources in production is an input factor. Reaching the goal of water conservation while maintaining production capacity would help to gain economic efficiency.

Chinese main water price policy in recent years.

2.3. Financial water policy

In terms of fiscal policy tools, subsidy policies have received widespread attention. As China's economy has experienced rapid growth for more than 40 years since the 1980s ( Zhang et al., 2017 , Chen et al., 2018 ), the contribution of agriculture to GDP in modern economic activities is relatively small, therefore, agricultural policies were mostly analyzed from the perspective of subsidies. Western scholars have different views on agricultural subsidies. Agricultural subsidies originated from the concept of effective protection. Corden (1966) proposed to measure the degree of agricultural subsidies by the ratio of the difference between the added value of agricultural products in the domestic market and the added value of agricultural products in the international market to the added value of agricultural products in the international market. The comprehensive research on agricultural subsidy system is made by Mccalla (1985) , who pointed out that agricultural subsidies should be given. Based on various theories, different scholars at home and abroad have studied agricultural subsidies. The main theories include market failure theory ( Zhang, 2012 ), welfare changes in the economic system ( Bahagwati, 2004 ), public finance theory and agricultural defect theory. The research on China's agricultural subsidy policy mainly involves two aspects: policy design and simulation experiment. The discussion of policy design mainly analyzes the possibility and effect of policy implementation according to the current practice of agricultural subsidies at home and abroad and the requirements of the Agreement on Agriculture of WTO. Based on the features of water resources that exist in the form of water elements and water commodities at the same time, Li et al. (2014) established a computable general equilibrium model (CGE) of water resources which included water production and supply industry, water resource element reward and production water subsidy, three scenarios were established: improving the price of water resource elements, adjusting production water subsidies and technological progress. And Li et al. (2014) discussed the economic and social changes of Jiangxi Province under the goal of water-saving. The results showed that: increasing the price of water resources, reducing production water subsidy and technological progress can improve the efficiency of water use and reduce the total water demand, however, no matter viewed from the index of total output, GDP, employment, price level or the income of residents and enterprises, increasing the price of water resources and adjusting production water subsidy will have negative impacts on the economy. The negative impact of reducing production water subsidy is even greater, however, technological progress can promote economic development while achieving the goal of water conservation.

Wang et al. (2015) simulated and analyzed the impact of agricultural water use efficiency policy and water resource tax policy on the national economy by using the relevant data of 2007 interregional input-output table. The simulation results showed that: the improvement of agricultural water use efficiency can save the production water consumption of each region, and is conducive to economic growth, the policy of levying water resources tax of agricultural sector can also save the production water consumption of each region, but is not conducive to economic growth, from the perspective of saving production water consumption and promoting economic growth, compared with the water resources tax policy, the effect of efficiency policy is better. Besides, the author found that the same policy has different degrees of influence on the regional economic variables, and the direction may also be different, for the demand of production water, the agricultural water use efficiency policy has a greater influence on the northeast, North China, Huang-Huai-Hai and northwest regions, but less influence on the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, Southeast, South China and southwest regions. The policy of water resources tax imposed by the agricultural sector has a greater impact on the northeast, northwest, South China and southwest regions, but a smaller impact on the North China, Huang Huai Hai, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and southeast regions.

Using Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) and its global trade and input-output database, Cao et al. (2012) set different policy projects to simulate the possible changes of Chinese agricultural subsidy policies by designing changes in the total amount of policy subsidy and policy support. The research points out that, increasing the subsidy of Chinese Agricultural Amber Box Policy and the support of Green Box Policy will reduce the overall welfare of China, but will promote agricultural production and import and export trade. Gao and Yin (2016) pointed out that the resource tax of China is a pure mineral resource tax, and its tax setting is determined by the urgency of resource protection and the operability of collection. This study evaluated the burden level of water resource fee from three aspects: the proportion of water resource fee in the unit price of tap water, the proportion of urban water fee in disposable income per capita, and the proportion of water resource fee in the burden of domestic enterprises, and sorts out the existing problems in the collection and management of water resource fee.

2.4. Water conservation

The purpose of water price promotion can be regarded as the internalization of pollution generated by economic activities through pricing, so as to achieve the effect of users and polluters paying. The benefit of its promotion is to achieve water conservation through the implementation of the water price system. The literature points out that the use of water conservation has an impact on agriculture. Huang and Zhang (2020) indicated that most studies discussing the economic and management issues of water and soil conservation employed various econometric models to analyze the factors affecting farmers' decision in adopting the water and soil conservation strategies.

Mathieu et al. (2019) applied a probit model to analyze the factors that determine the adoption of water conservation techniques among Bam cotton producers, the authors concluded that early warning, group membership, smartphone ownership, and cotton income are decisive factors. However, technical assistance and access to the pesticide were negative factors. Kpadonou et al. (2017) applied multivariate and ordered probit models to analyze farmers’ adoption-decisions for eleven on-farm water and soil conservation practices in Western African drylands, and the results showed that labor, knowledge and capital-intensive farmers were more likely to make adoption-decisions. Some studies pointed out that water conservation can help increase the output of crops. For example, Bowley (2015) found that wind and water, which were unimpeded by forest cover, would devastate crops, and the soil and water conservation practices promoted by the government, as well as the management of farmland, would improve crop production. Janssen and Swinnen, 2019 , Zilberman et al., 2019 , Huang and Zhang, 2020 furtherly concluded that culture is a critical factor that affects water conservation and then causes the influence on the food chain, agricultural supply and other economic behavior.

2.5. Summary

From the above literature review, it can be found that scholars have long studied the value and pricing of water. With the need for a sustainable future, scholars find that China gradually takes the adjustment of water-related financial policies as one of the means to achieve sustainable development. Among these financial policies, water price policy and environmental subsidy policy play an important role. However, due to the limitations of research objects and data, previous literature mostly focused on the implementation of subsidy policies. As a macro policy implemented by a country, the purpose of environmental subsidy is mainly to protect the specific industries of the country, realize the balance between product structure and total amount, guarantee a fair life of producers in the industry, and achieve the goal of environmental protection and sustainable development.

However, the present study found that current literature on water policy pays too much attention to subsidy but ignored the things that happened in the water price. To achieve a sustainable future, the agricultural water price policy in china experienced a huge change between 2001 and 2019 (as shown in Fig. 1 ). The price policy reform reveals the Chinese government’s ambition. In addition to economic development, the government gradually hopes to ensure the rational use of water resources. In particular, the important government documents such as ‘No. 1 Central Document’ issued relevant instructions on the reform of agricultural water price, which makes the impact of agricultural water price on the environment a question worth discussing.

Relevant Policies of Agricultural Water Price Reform from 2001 to 2019.

3. Methodology

The Chinese government or other entities have not announced micro data on water resources such as tax, charge, fee, or other costs related to water resources. The empirical analysis encounters data constraints. Therefore, we analyze the impact of water price norms on the economy and the environment through theoretical construction. In this paper, policy variables are added to the framework of Cai and Treisman, 2005 , Zhang et al., 2011 , Yu et al., 2015 to investigate the impact of local government's water price policy and changes in local officials on economy and environment. To be specific, it investigates an economy composed of I regions with a central planner and a local government in each region. The total amount of capital owned by the whole economy is ∑ k i ， k i represents the amount of environmental investment in the region I. Each region may be different in two aspects: First, the endowment of resources, climate and economic basis is different in each region; Second, each local government may adopt different endogenous policies. Local governments carry out relevant environmental protection investment and economic policies and measures through fiscal revenue, fiscal expenditure and the supervision of the central government. In addition, in combination with the government's public water price policy in a specific year, it will have an impact on the water pollution and economic output value of the region. First, the budget of local government can be expressed as formula (1):

T i is the amount of environmental pollution caused by agricultural economic activities in the region, Y i , θ i T i represent the economic output value in the region and the investment or control measures used for pollution caused by agricultural economic activities respectively. In terms of the research subject of this paper, θ i T i is the water price measures in different periods, and the degree of strictness of the implementation of measures ( θ i ) is affected by water pollution caused by agricultural activities or whether water resources are insufficient or not ( T i ), θ i > 0 . Economic output needs economic activities of supplied land, so p i 1 and p i represent the unit cost and land transfer price of local government to prevent and control pollution caused by agricultural economic activities respectively, assuming p i ≥ p i 1 .

The utility function of local government is shown as formula (2):

U i 1 = Y i is used to indicate that whether the governor of local government has been promoted or changed, U i 2 = G i is the regional economic and environmental performance under the governance. If the economic growth is strong or the environmental protection is effective (for example, the water price policy effectively controls water conservation or the water price regulation internalizes the water pollution, which effectively suppresses the scale of water pollution), it means the policies of current government are effective and the utility level of local governments has been improved. Finally, U c i = c i is the economic level of the residents on employment in this region. If the macro-economy is improved, so will the income per capita and the overall economic and environmental level.

Assuming that the household budget of residents on employment and the production function of region are as follows:

A i represents regional endowment, k i is the input capital of the regional economy, α and β are the input variant parameters, both of them are greater than 0, α + β < 1.

By substituting (1) and (3) into (2), the condition for maximizing the utility of local government is as follows:

τ i p i = φ p i 0 − p i 1 + δ θ i + p i 1 − p i / ( δ t + 1 ) is the marginal cost of environmental pollution caused by local government’s economic activities. Eq. (5) shows that when considering economic activities and environmental protection, the marginal output of the regional land sold for economic activities under the relevant environmental protection measures (such as the amount of environmental investment, water price policy, etc.) is equal to the marginal cost. Then, from formula (4) and formula (5), the optimal pollution quantity can be obtained:

Eq. (6) shows that when the local government is faced with the problem of substitution between economic activities and environmental protection, the optimal scale of pollution depends on the initial local endowment ( ln A i + ln β ), economic investment capital ( ln k i ) and the marginal cost of environmental pollution caused by government’s economic activities ( ln τ i ( p i ) ). In other words, the scale of regional pollution may be affected by three factors. First, when other conditions remain unchanged, the better the initial endowment is, the lower the cost of economic activity exploitation or resource utilization is, which may lead to resource abuse and pollution aggravation. Second, when more capital is invested in the economic production process, the overall output value is promoted, but the scale of pollution is also increased. Finally, the marginal cost of economic activities is the factor of pollution control. From the research theme of this paper, water price policy or regulation promoted by local government or central government can be regarded as an alternative variable of the marginal cost of environmental pollution. Empirically, based on the data of prefecture-level cities in China, the impact of water price policy on environmental pollution can be further explored.

Empirical analysis adopts formula (7):

In Eq. (6) , we can find that initial local endowment, economic investment capital, and the marginal cost of environmental pollution caused by government’s economic activities are the critical factors. In order to compare with the theory implementation and the empirical analyze, we assume variable Wage ( Capit a it ) as the proxy variable of ln k i in Eq. (6) , variable ln p it and ln k it reflect the initial local endowment. Finally, due to we cannot find the exact water price criteria, we use the dummy variable as the policy affect. In order to explore the impact of urban water price policy and economic development on soil and water environment, the selection of explained variable ln T it is the discharge amount of water pollution of agricultural industry in prefecture-level cities of China over the years,variable ln p it is the transfer price of urban land supply for economic output, variable ln k it is the amount of financial lending in each city over the years, variable Policy is whether water price policy is carried out in the current year, variable ln Capit a it is the urban labor income over the years, reflecting the economic level of residents on employment in the region.

It should be noted that why transfer price of urban land supply is used as the variable of economic investment capital. As the Land Administration Law of the People’s Republic of China makes local government the only land transfer or in the primary market of the region, the land transfer has become one of the options for local government to raise financial resources quickly. As is pointed out in the document, another factor is that the promotion of Chinese public officials is affected by the performance of economic growth. Accumulating short-term capital while promoting economic activities through land transfer has become one of the strategies for local governments to achieve economic results quickly ( Yu et al., 2015 , Zhang et al., 2011 , Zhou, 2007 ).

In addition, we also include the variable Change to explore the impact of the change of urban governance team. The empirical data of this paper is from China Urban Statistical Yearbook and China Land and Resources Almanac between 2001 and 2017. The research objects include 240 cities in China. Table 1 summarizes the definitions and descriptive statistics of each empirical variable.

Based on the theoretical analysis above, both economic investment capital and the marginal cost of environmental pollution can explain environmental pollution. Therefore, we test the impact of them on the environment respectively through empirical analysis. In the analysis, considering the income from the sale of state-owned land and control the cost of environmental pollution, we take the deposit balance of financial institutions at the end of the year and whether to implement the water price measures as explanatory variables to explore their impact on the agricultural wastewater discharge. As a result, we will know about which explanatory capacity is stronger, and carry out relevant stability test.

Table 2 summarizes the main empirical results. In order to get reliable results, we use OLS and Random Effects in the analysis process. From the empirical results, when discussing the impact of economic aspect and environmental aspect respectively, it can be found that both of them had significant impact on explanatory variables. First of all, the empirical estimation of OLS 1indicates that variable ln p it is significant to the regression coefficient of water pollution discharge being as a positive solution, it is corresponded to intuition that economic activities have a deteriorating impact on environmental pollution. OLS 2 discusses that variable ln k it is significant to the regression coefficient of water pollution discharge being as a positive solution, it can be found that the influence direction is consistent with ln p it . In order to determine the White Test, which is the additional test of OLS 1 and OLS 2 of the empirical estimation combination Table 2 to test, the Omitted variable Test to estimate whether there are missing variables in the combination, and the Variance Inflation Factor to test collinearity. When verifying the original assumption of heteroscedasticity and missing variables that there is possibility to mutate or omit the heteroscedasticity, the estimation results are significant, and the original hypothesis is rejected. According to Nerlove (1963) , if the variance influence factor (VIF) is greater than 10, the influence of the estimated variable collinearity is higher. The results show that the VIF values of the other variables are less than 10, indicating that there is no collinearity problem in the overall empirical portfolio.

Descriptive statistics.

RE 1, RE 2 of Table 2 extend the empirical combination of OLS 1 and OLS 2, and analyze the influence of each explanatory variable through the panel. In accordance with the results of OLS analysis, it can be found that ln p it , ln k it still had a significant impact on water pollution. It is noteworthy that the environmental protection and water price policy in response to the environmental pollution caused by economic activities had a significant impact on the reduction of pollution scale. Taking RE1 as an example, the estimated coefficient is - 0.033, which was significant. It shows that the water price policy(Policy) or regulation promoted by government has increased the marginal cost of environmental pollution faced by producers in economic activities, and the increase of cost has further restrained the scale of pollution. Through the implementation of water price policy and the cause and effect analysis of economy and environment, it is found that the government is pushing forward the mode of restraining pollution in the formulation of water price, internalizing the external cost of pollution in economic activities, and effectively reducing the scale of urban water pollution discharge.

In order to guarantee the accuracy of the analysis, explanatory variables in Table 3 are analyzed from the perspective of pollution lag. The judgment of the empirical portfolio mainly considers the possible time sequence of policy implementation, we also consider whether the government has changed compared with Table 2 . Variable Change in Table 3 analyses when the Secretary of the municipal Party committee changed in the previous year, will it affect the scale of agricultural sewage discharge. The estimation results show that the variable ln p it , ln k it and Policy still have significant influence on the explanatory variables, which is in consistent with foresaid theoretical inference. Second, variable Change is not significant. Through the empirical results, we can infer that the behavior of local governments in land transfer is rational. They want to stimulate economic activities and promote economic growth through land supply. However, in order to suppress the pollution problems caused by economic activities, producers are regulated through the water price policy of internalizing the exogenous cost, which is revealed in the variable Policy that significantly reduces the scale of urban water pollution.

Results 1- OLS Estimation.

Standard errors in parentheses,

Finally, in Table 5 we estimate and compare with the difference of regions. It can be seen from Table 5 that the empirical results are consistent with Table 3 , Table 4 . The results show that, except for estimation (2), the variable ln p it has a significant positive impact on the explained variable ln T it . The empirical results show that economic activities have a worsening effect on environmental pollution. Secondly, environmental protection and water pricing policies in response to environmental pollution caused by economic activities have a significant impact on the reduction of the scale of pollution. Policy variables have the greatest impact on the eastern region and the least impact on the western region. Similar results are also shown in the estimation of variable ln Capit a it . It is estimated that when labor wages increase, the impact on the eastern region is the largest at −0.751, followed by the coastal region at −0.482, the central region at −0.480, and the western region at −0.344. Finally, the estimate of the variable Change showed that there was no statistically significant influence on each explained variable.

Results 2- Robust Check.

Standard errors in parentheses

Results 3- Estimation in Different Region.

*p < 0.1,

** p < 0.05,

5. Conclusion

In the past 50 years, the world's population and income have increased dramatically, and people have a large demand for clean water and are concerned about whether the supply of water can meet these needs. In the future, people's demand for water will certainly continue to increase, unless we try to reduce demand, so that the growth curve of water supply can be slowed, especially when global warming changes the distribution of rainfall and increases water evaporation. The best way to balance supply and demand is to introduce reasonable water charges. The scarcer the supply of natural resources, the more important the mechanism for efficient allocation of demand. Whether it is now or in the future. In this regard, the available freshwater resources are no different from other scarce resources such as oil or gas. Among them, the word usable is the key point. For example, the problem of global warming has not reduced the world's freshwater, but it has indeed reduced the available freshwater ( Becker and Posner, 2009 ). For instance, in many parts of the world, snowmelt is an important freshwater resource. However, when global warming continues, the pattern of precipitation in many areas has changed from snowfall to rainfall. Compared with snowmelt, rainfall is relatively difficult to collect and distribute. Affected the supply of water resources.

With the development of economy in China, more and more attention has been paid to environmental protection. Among these policies, the implementation of water price policy affected the economic and environmental changes in China. This paper analyzes the impact of water price measures on the scale of water pollution discharge in 240 cities in China between 2001 and 2017 referring to China Urban Statistical Yearbook and China Land & Resources Almanac. This paper analyzes the impact of local government's land sales revenue, deposits balance of financial institutions at the end of the year, and the implementation of water price policy on pollution discharge from the perspective of theory and practice. In theory, this paper indicates that in an economy of political centralization and economic decentralization, the local initial endowment, economic investment capital, and the marginal cost of environmental pollution caused by government’s economic activities affect regional environmental pollution simultaneously. Empirically, through panel data, it can be found that environmental protection and water price policy in response to environmental pollution caused by economic activities have a significant impact on the decline of the pollution scale.

This paper argues that local governments in China respond rationally to political incentives through land supply or related economic policies. From the perspective of local government's behavior in land transfer and financial lending, the implementation of such kind of economic policy is the response to the current political incentive mechanism. If the current incentive mechanism is changed, it will have coupling effects on Chinese environment such as cultivated area, environmental conservation, water and soil resources maintenance and other factors. The central government should pay attention to the control of land transfer and the optimization of land use from the design of official incentives. In pursuit of their political achievements during their term of office, local government officials sold agricultural and industrial land at a low price and commercial and residential land at a high price, which results in the loss of land use efficiency and fails to maximize the welfare of subjects of local economic activities. The Chinese government may speed up the improvement of the cadre appraisal program to optimize the structure of land use. Changing the view of political achievements which considers GDP only, adding the assessment dimensions of economic development efficiency and social benefits of economic development could also help. In recent years, the Chinese government has been making water prices towards the goal of water conservation, which can be regarded as the improvement of the government's governance in the social benefits of economic development. Through the internalization of negative environmental externality in economic activities, the pollution discharge problem can be effectively adjusted.

Declaration of Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Acknowledgement

This work is supported by the soft science project of Zhejiang province (2020C35025), human resources and social security scientific research project of Zhejiang province (2020008), Wenzhou philosophy and social science planning project (20wsk079).

• Bahagwati J.N. Oxford University Press; New York: 2004. In Defense of Globalization. [ Google Scholar ]
• Becker G., Posner P. University of Chicago Press; Chicago: 2009. Uncommon Sense: Economic Insight, from Marriage to Terrorism. [ Google Scholar ]
• Bowley P. Farm forestry in agricultural southern ontario, ca. 1850-1940: evolving strategies in the management and conservation of forests, soils, and water on private lands. Sci. Can. 2015; 38 (1):22–49. [ Google Scholar ]
• Cai H., Treisman D. Does competition for capital dicipline governments? decentralization, globalization, and public policy. Am. Econ. Rev. 2005; 95 :3–830. [ Google Scholar ]
• Cao Shuai, Lin Hai, Cao Hui. Trends and economic impacts of agricultural subsidies in China. J. Public Manag. 2012;(4) [ Google Scholar ]
• Chen C.Y., Lin S.H., Chou L.C., Chen K.D. A comparative study of production efficiency in coastal region and non-coastal region in mainland china: an application of metafrontier model. J. Int. Trade Econ. Dev. 2018; 27 (8):901–916. [ Google Scholar ]
• Corden W.M. The structure of a tariff system and the effective protective rtem. J. Political Econ. 1966;(74) [ Google Scholar ]
• Cui L., Wu K.J., Tseng M.L. Exploring a novel agricultural subsidy model with sustainable development: A Chinese agribusiness in Liaoning province. Sustainability. 2017; 9 (1):19. [ Google Scholar ]
• Gan H., Qin C.H., Wang L. The pricing method of water resources and the practice research Ⅰ: water resources value connotation analyses. Journal of water conservancy. J. Hydraul. Eng. 2012; 43 (03):289–295 + 301. [ Google Scholar ]
• Gao P., Yin C. Study on establishment of water resource tax system:based on the analysis on practice of water resource fee collection system. J. Cent. Univ. Financ. Econ. 2016; 2016 :1. [ Google Scholar ]
• Hong Z., Sun Y. Power, capital, and the poverty of farmers’ land rights in China. Land Use Policy. 2020; 92 [ Google Scholar ]
• Huang W., Zhang Q. Selecting the optimal economic crop in minority regions with the critertia about soil and water conservation. Agric. Water Manag. 2020; 241 doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106295. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Janssen E., Swinnen J. Technology adoption and value chains in developing countries: evidence from dairy in India. Food Policy. 2019; 83 :327–336. doi: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.08.005. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]
• Jiang W., Wang H. Current situation and prospect of water resource value research in China. Geogr. Territ. Res. 1996; 12 (1):1–5. [ Google Scholar ]
• Jiang, W., Yu, L., Liu, R., Han, G., Wang, H. (1993). Study on the upper limit of water resource price (Doctoral dissertation).
• Jin F., Jin R.X. Spatial effects of financial support to agriculture on the change of agricultural industrial structure. Res. Financ. Econ. Issues (Chin.) 2020; 5 :82–91. [ Google Scholar ]
• Kpadonou R.A.B., Owiyo T., Barbier B., Denton F., Rutabingwa F., Kiema A. Advancing climate-smart-agriculture in developing drylands: joint analysis of the adoption of multiple on-farm soils and water conservation technologies in West African Sahel. Land Use Policy. 2017; 61 :196–207. [ Google Scholar ]
• Li J.C., Gao Z.G. Importance of implementing resource accounting and depreciation. Chin. Econ. Rev. 1987; 07 :47–54. [ Google Scholar ]
• Li Changyan, Wang Huimin, Tong Jinping, Liu Shang. Water resource policy simulation and analysis in jiangxi province based on CGE model. Resour. Sci. 2014;(1) [ Google Scholar ]
• Li J.C. Resource problems and countermeasures in China. Manag. World. 1990; 06 :52–59. [ Google Scholar ]
• Li J.C., Zhong Z.X., Gao Z.G. Theory and method of natural resource accounting. Quant. Tech. Econ. 1991; 01 :30–35. [ Google Scholar ]
• Love D.M., Venturas M.D., Sperry J.S., Brooks P.D., Pettit J.L., Wang Y., Anderegg W.R.L., Tai X., Mackay D.S. Dependence of aspen stands on a subsurface water subsidy: Implications for climate change impacts. Water Resour. Res. 2019; 55 (3):1833–1848. [ Google Scholar ]
• Ma Y.Z. Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, China Water Resources; 2019. Giving full Play to the Strategic Role of Water-saving Agriculture to Promote Green Agricultural development and Rural Revitalization -- A Visit to Kang Shaozhong, [ Google Scholar ]
• Mathieu D.B., Wu S., Fredah G.K. Economic analysis of the determinants of the adoption of water and soil conservation techniques in Burkina Faso: case of cotton producers in the province of bam. J. Environ. Prot. (Irvine, Calif.) 2019; 10 (10):1213–1223. [ Google Scholar ]
• Mccalla A.F. Macmillan; New York: 1985. Agricultural Policies and World Market. [ Google Scholar ]
• National Bureau of Statistics of China. (2018). 2018 China Statistical Yearbook on Environment . Available at: 〈http://tongji.cnki.net/kns55/navi/YearBook.aspx?id=N2019030257&floor=1〉 .
• Nerlove M. In: Returns to Scale in Electricity Supply. En Measurement in Economics-Studies in Mathematical Economics and Econometrics in Memory of Yehuda Grunfeld. Christ Carl F., editor. Stanford University Press; 1963. [ Google Scholar ]
• Qin, C.H. (2013). Research on Theory and Method of Water Resource Pricing. China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, Doctoral Dissertation.
• Shao H., Y. Reform of agricultural water pricing system in hilly and low land of zhejiang province. China Water Resour. 2019; 000 (010):62–64. [ Google Scholar ]
• Song Z.H. Gradual incubation of chinese market system: from the perspective of national capacity. South China J. Econ. 2020; 39 (1):1–12. [ Google Scholar ]
• Sun M.Y. Necessity and feasibility of agricultural irrigation water fee from invisible subsidy to visible subsidy. J. Econ. Water Resour. 2011:1. [ Google Scholar ]
• Wang X.Y., Cao L.P. Subsidy policy for agricultural non-point source pollution control. Water Resour. Prot. 2008; 24 (1):34–38. [ Google Scholar ]
• Wang Keqiang, Deng Guangyao, Liu Hongmei. Water utilization efficiency in agriculture and policy simulation of water resources tax in china based on multi-regional CGE model. J. Financ. Econ. 2015;(3) [ Google Scholar ]
• Yu Jingwen, Jie Xiao, Gong Liutang. Political cycle and land leasing: evidence from Chinese cities. Econ. Res. 2015;(2) [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhang FangFang, Chen Xi.Ding, Lin ShiueHung, Chou Li-Chen. The influence of new rural pension scheme on rural households’ consumption expenditures: evidence from Zhejiang Province. Issues Agric. Econ. 2017;(8) [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhang Xin-min. Low-carbon agriculture externality and market failure. Tianjin Agric. Sci. 2012;(2) [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhang Li, Wang Xian-Bin, Xu Xian-Xiang. Fiscal incentive, political incentive and local officials’ land supply. China Ind. Econ. 2011;(4) [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhong H.P., Zhang S.,Q., Tong Z.D. Chemical Industry Press; Beijing: 2012. Water resources utilization and technology. [ Google Scholar ]
• Zhou L.A. Governing China’s local officials: an analysis of promotion tournament model. Econ. Res. J. 2007; 7 (36):36–50. [ Google Scholar ]
• Zilberman D., Liang L., Reardon T. Innovation-induced food supply chain design. Food Policy. 2019; 83 :289–297. doi: 10.1016/j.foodpol.2017.03.010. [ CrossRef ] [ Google Scholar ]

• Reference Manager
• Simple TEXT file

People also looked at

Review article, enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture.

• School of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia

Dryland agriculture requires the efficient utilization of water resources and the implementation of water-conserving technologies. Mulching is a water conservation practice used in arid land areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize soil evaporation rates. Organic mulching minimizes soil deterioration, enhances organic matter, and boosts the soil’s ability to retain water. Mulching can help keep moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods. Mulching with composted yard waste led to higher soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and organic matter when compared to uncovered soil. Under plastic mulch, soluble nutrients such as nitrate (NO 3 − ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), potassium (K + ), and fulvic acid are released as organic matter decomposes, enhancing the soil’s nutrient availability. Mulching has several advantages for dryland agriculture, such as reducing soil water loss, soil erosion, weed growth, water droplet kinetic energy, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. This review article aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of ground mulching in water conservation. This is particularly important in arid regions where agricultural sustainability is at risk due to drought, heat stress, and the inefficient use of limited water resources during the cropping season. Ground mulching is essential for minimizing surface evaporation and hence decreasing water loss. This review research thoroughly examines the advantages of organic and synthetic mulches in crop production, as well as their use in the preservation of soil and water resources.

1 Introduction

Feeding the future population cannot be addressed solely by enhancing water productivity within current land usage, as there is a severe limitation of agricultural land ( Ranjan et al., 2017 ). Rainfed agriculture, such as non-irrigated crops constitutes 60–70% of the world’s agricultural production and occupies 80% of cropland ( Li et al., 2018 ). Moreover, as water scarcity continues to rise, rainfed farming becomes increasingly vital in ensuring global food supply ( Li et al., 2017 ). The scarcity of water caused by rising temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns is responsible for the limited crop yields in arid and semi-arid regions ( Qin et al., 2015 ; Li et al., 2017 ). Hence, it is crucial to manage the water usage on farmland to preserve water resources in agricultural areas. Dryland farming prioritizes rainfed agriculture and requires the efficient utilization of water resources and the implementation of water conserving technologies ( Qin et al., 2013 ). Consequently, in semi-arid and arid regions, globally, prudent and effective water consumption has been practiced successfully over an extended period.

Kader et al. (2017) revealed that mulching is done by covering the soil surface around plants with organic or synthetic material to increase plant development and improve agricultural output. In dryland agriculture, the focus is on rainfed production, which demands the deployment of water-conserving technology to optimize the effective use of available water. Qin et al. (2013) and Yu et al. (2018) indicated that mulching boosts crop growth and production and improves water efficiency.

Furthermore, mulches can be classified as either inorganic, composed mostly of plastic-based components, or organic biodegradable materials ( Kader et al., 2017 ). According to Adhikari et al. (2016) both categories have grown in popularity in recent years. Another research by Adeboye et al. (2017) reported in different areas, crop production and soil hydrothermal conditions were found to be impacted by the addition of different biodegradable and inorganic mulches following rainfall. It is crucial for dry land farmers to comprehend how much mulching boot crop yields while preserving soil moisture. Mulching in dryland agriculture gives advantages such as moisture retention, temperature regulation, weed suppression, soil health advancement, and erosion control, boosting water resource efficiency and crop yields ( Kishore et al., 2022 ). Mulch works as a protective layer, decreasing nutrient leaching and runoff produced by heavy rainfall or irrigation. It slows down water flow, conserving nutrients in the root zone, and making them more available to plants ( Qiu et al., 2020 ). Mulch also offers a home for beneficial soil microorganisms, which play a critical role in nutrient cycling and plant uptake ( De Biman et al., 2021 ).

Mulch is a helpful technique for minimizing soil erosion by covering the soil surface, absorbing rainwater, and slowing flow velocity. This is particularly effective in sloping landscapes or places with vulnerable soil conditions ( Fernández, 2023 ). Mulch also preserves topsoil, guaranteeing its preservation and availability for plant absorption. It also offers a good habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms, insects, and bacteria, which play a critical role in soil health and nitrogen cycling, hence boosting nutrient availability and ecosystem health ( Barajas-Guzmán et al., 2006 ).

Mulch, especially organic mulch derived from plant residues, contributes to carbon sequestration in soil by supplying organic matter and boosting soil organic carbon concentration ( Chen et al., 2018 ). This not only enhances soil fertility and structure but also helps avoid climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide ( Chen et al., 2018 ). Organic mulches may impact soil pH, with strong acid components like pine needles lowering it over time, while high alkalinity components like wood ash increase it ( Larkin, 2020 ). Understanding these pH-modifying capacities may assist manage soil pH levels and generate optimum growing conditions for diverse crops ( Larkin, 2020 ). Different mulches also alter nutrient availability and absorption for certain crops, boosting nutrient management approaches and overall use efficiency ( Jain et al., 2017 ).

Therefore, the overall objective of this review paper was to assess the effects of mulch on crop yield and soil moisture conservation in arid areas.

2 The potential of mulching for sustainable soil and water conservation in agricultural practices

Spreading different materials over a field before or after planting is a common agricultural practice known as mulching, which helps to increase crop yields and soil quality. As mulching materials, you can use plastic, agricultural waste, animal dung, sand, and pebble ( Gan et al., 2013 ). Mulching’s main objectives are to limit weed growth, improve moisture retention, increase soil warming, and decrease water evaporation ( Gan et al., 2013 ). According to studies, mulching can boost crop growth, yields, and water use ( Chaudhary et al., 2003 ; Abdrabbo et al., 2017 ; Yu et al., 2018 ; Ali Mozaffari, 2022 ).

2.1 Types of mulching materials

The three categories of mulching materials are defined as organic, inorganic, and special by Kader et al. (2017) . Animal manure, wood debris, leftover processed foods, and agricultural waste may all be utilized to generate organic mulching materials. Inorganic mulching materials include synthetic plastics and plastics made from polyethylene sheets, according to Kader et al. (2017) . Similarly, Adhikari et al. (2016) have also created environmentally friendly products that are adaptable and simple to use, such as surface coatings, biodegradable polymer films, and compostable and photodegradable plastic films that are essential for use in agriculture.

2.1.1 Organic mulches

The best time to apply organic mulch, which is made from plant or animal matter, is right after crop germination. According to Goodman (2020) , organic mulches have numerous benefits, including reducing nitrate leaching, improving soil physical properties, promoting microbial activity, balancing the nutrient cycle, enriching the soil with nutrients, regulating temperature, improving water absorption by the soil, and preventing erosion. Organic materials, on the other hand, are difficult to employ for crop production and need a substantial amount of effort. As a result, due to economic and logistical restrictions, the use of organic mulch in horticulture production has been limited ( Zhao et al., 2014 ).

2.1.1.1 Wood chips

For gardening, landscaping, and horticulture, wood chips composed of shredded or chipped wood are used. We won’t have to weed by hand or apply herbicides as often since they block the sun and stop weed seeds from growing ( Bantle et al., 2014 ). In addition to providing insulation, its barrier effect decreases soil moisture retention and evaporation. improved soil structure, increased microbial activity, and reduced soil erosion are all long-term benefits of using wood chips ( Zheng et al., 2022 ).

2.1.1.2 Straw mulch

For protection in the garden and on the farm consideration of straw mulch made from the stalks of cereal crops is important. It protects soil from excessive temperature changes, prevents weeds from growing, and retains soil moisture. Because it preserves soil particles and lessens the effect of rain and wind, it stops soil erosion ( Ma et al., 2024 ). Straw mulch, when let to decompose, adds organic matter to the soil, which in turn improves soil structure, nutrient availability, and the populations of beneficial soil organisms ( Goodman, 2020 ).

2.1.1.3 Sawdust mulch

In landscaping and gardening, sawdust mulch made from finely ground or chipped wood waste is used to inhibit weed growth by obstructing sunlight. However, it may still enable weeds to sprout if sprayed lightly ( Davis and Strik, 2022 ). Sawdust absorbs moisture and holds moisture, but its high carbon content may contribute to nitrogen depletion in the soil. Some woods, like pine or cedar, may make sawdust acidic, influencing soil pH. In addition to potentially stunting plant development, sawdust takes longer to decompose than other organic mulch materials ( Tan et al., 2016 ).

2.1.1.4 Bark mulch

Bark mulches are organic mulches created from tree bark, and used in landscaping and gardening for their aesthetic appeal and practical advantages ( Łukasiewicz, 2013 ). They generate a thick covering that discourages weed growth, lowers evaporation, and helps keep moisture in the soil. They also operate as a barrier, providing insulation, and reducing soil erosion. Bark mulches break down slowly and may endure for many years, making them a durable alternative for mulching. Different varieties of bark have unique features ( Kosterna, 2014 ).

2.1.1.5 Newspaper mulch

Newspaper mulch is an eco-friendly, affordable, and ecologically acceptable solution for weed control and soil moisture retention in gardens and landscapes ( Puka-Beals and Gramig, 2021 ). It inhibits sunlight, stops weed seeds from developing, and serves as a physical barrier to suffocate existing weeds. Newspaper mulch conserves soil moisture by minimizing evaporation, making it advantageous in dry climates. The degraded wood pulp of newspaper supplies organic matter to the soil, enhancing soil structure and fertility ( Puka-Beals and Gramig, 2021 ). It offers insulation, moderating soil temperature, and offering protection during cold times. Newspaper is widely accessible and commonly thrown as garbage, making it a sustainable alternative to other mulch materials ( Haapala et al., 2014 ).

2.1.1.6 Compost mulch

Compost mulch is a nutrient-rich mulch formed from decomposed organic debris, which increases soil health and plant development ( Mallory and Smagula, 2014 ). It distributes vital nutrients like nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium into the soil, increasing soil structure and boosting microbial activity. Compost mulch also increases soil moisture-holding capacity, aeration, and drainage, and helps reduce weed development by burying weeds and preventing seed germination ( Paradelo et al., 2012 ). It also offers insulation, controlling soil temperature, and guarding against frost during colder months. Overall, compost mulch is a good and nutrient-rich solution for plant health ( Mallory and Smagula, 2014 ).

2.1.2 Inorganic mulches

Plastic mulch is widely utilized in industrial crop cultivation, the most popular forms being polyvinyl chloride and polyethylene films. Because these plastic coatings are more permeable to long-wave radiation, they can raise the temperature around the crop during winter nights. As a result, Gosar and Baričevič (2011) propose that polyethylene mulch is the best material for horticultural crop development. In another study by Gao et al. (2019) , many plastic films produced from various polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyester (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), were studied for mulching applications in the 1960s. Because of its convenience, LLDPE is the most often used plastic mulching material. Because of their great results, black plastic mulch films have become increasingly popular, particularly in dry and semi-arid locations. According to Qin et al. (2014) , using black polyethylene mulch boosted crop output and quality, increased soil water content, and transformed the soil microbial community, resulting in greater financial returns for farmers. According to Serrano-Ruiz et al. (2021) , the “plastic culture” farming approach, which involves utilizing plastic as mulch, is increasingly being used to produce fresh vegetables. In addition, Yu et al. (2018) indicated that around one million tons of synthetic mulch material are consumed worldwide every year.

In Spain, for example, the utilization of plastic film as mulch in greenhouses grew by 5.7% in 2012, reaching 60,000 hectares ( Market, 2016 ). According to Daryanto et al. (2017) , China uses forty percent of the globe’s mulch made from plastic each year, or 0.7 million tons, and presently utilizes eighty percent of the world’s film made from plastic mulch, coupled with Japan and South Korea ( Zhao et al., 2022 ). Plastic mulching enhanced wheat and maize yield in China by roughly 33.2% and 33.7%, respectively ( Li et al., 2016 ).

2.2 Benefits of mulching

Mulching gradually improves air circulation around plants, soil particle aggregation, soil fertility, and permeability ( Kader et al., 2017 ). Mulch functions as an insulator, shielding the soil from hot and cold temperatures. Mulch treatments help agricultural fields in different ways, including decreased soil water loss, soil erosion, raindrop influence on the surface of soil, weed growth, and competition for nutrients and moisture from nearby fields ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). As observed by Qin et al. (2015) mulches are especially useful in the summer because they prevent soil moisture loss owing to evaporation. Mulch may also increase the structure of the soil and nutrient circulation by boosting earthworm mobility in soil pores ( Qin et al., 2015 ). Moreover, mulching also decreases soil pH, which improves nutrient accessibility ( Larentzaki et al., 2008 ). According to Larentzaki et al. (2008) , who noted that organic mulch decomposes over time, replenishing the soil with nutrients and improving the soil’s capacity to maintain long-term access to nutrients.

Because of its impermeability to gas movement, plastic mulch acts as a dependable barrier for fumigants and protects against sun exposure. However, it can have surprising implications on soil health and pest control ( Chalker-Scott, 2007 ). Mulch increases efficient fertilizer usage and lowers nutrient leaching by retaining nutrients in the crop’s roots area, resulting in better soil health. Mulch also increases the attractiveness of the surroundings by providing a consistent appearance. Soil is a complex ecosystem in which crop type, water retention, topsoil and crop water loss, and rainfall penetration all affect the amount of water present ( Li et al., 2013 ; Ma et al., 2018 ). Plants need a range of temperatures and moisture from the soil at various stages of growth. According to Kader et al. (2017) , organic mulching lowers soil degradation, promotes organic matter, and raises the soil’s capacity to retain water. Figure 1 demonstrates the advantages of mulched and un-mulched soil interactions with plants and environmental systems.

Figure 1 Advantages of mulched and unmulched soil interactions with plants and environments. Reproduced from Kader et al. (2017). Used with permission of Elsevier Science & Technology Journals, from "Recent advances in mulching materials and methods for modifying soil environment", M. A. Kader, M. Senge, M. A. Mojid, and K. Ito, Soil and Tillage Research vol. 168, May 2017; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.

2.3 Potential agricultural and environmental benefits of mulches

Research has shown that the use of mulching may effectively mitigate soil water loss in arid regions by decreasing evaporation ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). Plastic mulch that blocks moisture seeps into the soil by re-forming evaporated water and allowing it to return as droplets. This increases the length of time that moisture can be stored, allowing for longer intervals between irrigations and a reduction in the water required to produce crops ( Kader et al., 2017 ). Plastic mulching works better than straw mulching in terms of preserving soil water ( Li et al., 2017 ). Two further significant benefits of mulching are that it lessens soil erosion and surface evaporation ( Qin et al., 2016 ). It also helps to keep moisture around plants root zone, making water available to them for longer periods of time ( Tuure et al., 2021 ).

According to Qin et al. (2016) , the primary advantage of mulching is its ability to maintain soil moisture by minimizing soil loss and lowering surface water loss. As Figure 2 demonstrates, in agricultural operations, mulching helps to conserve soil water by decreasing evaporation and managing the soil’s temperature ( Kader et al., 2017 ). Understanding the soil temperature and water transport mechanisms under the mulch layer is crucial for enhancing system accessibility for efficient mulching ( Kader et al., 2017 ; Li et al., 2018 ). Figure 3 depicts a Schematic illustration of how sustainable agriculture interferes with changing temperatures and crops.

Figure 2 The diagram demonstrates sustainable agriculture that interacts with the climate and crops. (Adapted from Figure 1 of Kader et al., 2019 under CC-BY 4.0 license.)

Figure 3 A schematic diagram of how conservation agriculture interacts with climate change and crops. (Adapted from Figure 1 of El-Beltagi et al., 2022 under CC-BY 4.0 license.)

2.3.1 Effects of mulch on soil and water conservation

Mulching it is extremely effective for maintaining moisture availability in arid regions by slowing the rate of evaporated water ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Zribi et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). Mulching with moisture barrier plastic film is particularly effective because it keeps soil moisture from evaporating under the covering of mulch films and then condenses to return to the soil as minute droplets of water ( Kader et al., 2017 ). This helps to keep soil moisture in place for many days, extending the time between irrigation and minimizing the demand for irrigation throughout the growth season. According to Li et al. (2013) , plastic mulching is far more successful than straw mulching at conserving soil water. The fundamental benefit of mulching is its capacity to prevent surface evaporation, retaining soil moisture while simultaneously minimizing soil erosion ( Dass et al., 2013 ; Qin et al., 2016 ).

According to Li et al. (2018) and Kader et al. (2019) , both water and heat transfer pathways are critical for the optimal utilization of mulching materials. El-Beltagi et al. (2022) emphasize the need of selecting proper mulching materials in order to reduce the frequency of watering required during crop production. Mulching can help keep moisture in the root zone, allowing plants to receive water for extended periods of time ( Kazemi and Safari, 2018 ). According to Safari et al. (2021) , mulched soil evaporates at a slower pace than bare soil. Figure 4 demonstrates a comparison technique for covered and uncovered soil/crops.

Figure 4 Comparison technique for covered and uncovered soil/crops. (Reproduced from Figure 3 of El-Beltagi et al., 2022 under CC-BY 4.0 license.)

2.3.2 Soil temperature

According to Steinmetz et al. (2016) , plastic mulch can transmit a significant percentage of the heat it absorbs to the soil. The temperature of the soil changes throughout the year, particularly during extreme heat and cold periods and from day to night. Mulches operate as an insulator, keeping the soil temperature stable. Mulch with a higher water content reduces evaporation, which helps to regulate soil temperature. However, various variables impact soil temperature. White mulches chill the soil, whereas clear plastic mulches heat it up. Black plastic mulch is more efficient than bare soil in boosting soil temperatures due to increased radiation absorption ( Rajablariani et al., 2012 ). According to Tan et al. (2017) , compost mulch may manage soil temperature by minimizing the daily variance and providing a more stable environment ideal for root activity.

Mulching layers control temperature by sheltering the soil against direct sunshine and minimizing soil water evaporation ( Bakshi et al., 2015 ). Mulching with organic matter may lower soil temperatures by more than 10°C compared to bare soil, as observed in research done in hotter areas or throughout the summer, according to ( Chalker-Scott, 2007 ). Particularly, soil temperature increased by 0.9 to 4.3°C during the seedling stage, 1.6 to 2.3°C during the bud initiation stage, and 0.8 to 1.9°C during the flowering stage ( Xie et al., 2005 ). Another study by Subrahmaniyan and Zhou (2008) found that a transparent, photodegradable polythene films raised the soil temperature by 2.9 to 3.30°C. In early May, the temperature difference between mulched and bare soil for transparent film and black film reached 7°C and 5°C, respectively. Rajablariani et al. (2012) observed that in comparison to bare soil, the average temperature of soil rose by 3 to 6°C below different colored plastic mulches. Table 1 outlines the influence of different types of mulch on the soil’s temperatures in various crops and Table 2 outlines the impact of mulching on soil moisture and temperature when compared with no mulch.

Table 1 Impact of various mulch types on the soil temperature in different crops.

Table 2 Impact of mulching on soil moisture and temperature when compared with no mulch.

2.3.3 Soil compaction

Mulching preserves the soil’s structure against compaction induced by excessive rainfall or foot activity by serving as a shield ( Bashir et al., 2017 ). Simple mulches like straw have been demonstrated to promote soil stability in aggregates, enhancing the soil’s capacity for water infiltration and deeper layer aeration. Bark mulch, for example, can distribute the direct contact of water droplets, feet, and tires, recovering soil aggregation and porosity. Iqbal et al. (2020) suggested that mulch should be applied before compaction occurs rather than after. Mulching has been shown to alter the relationships between soil management elements, such as organic material content, the activity of microbes, availability of nutrients, decrease of soil eroding and compacting, and temperature control ( Tellen and Yerima, 2018 ).

2.3.4 Soil nutrient

Mulching helps keep nutrients near the plant roots, ensuring their efficient utilization and reducing fertilizer leaching. For a more visually appealing landscape, uniform mulching is preferred ( Li et al., 2013 ; Ma et al., 2018 ). After organic mulch decomposes, the soil’s organic content increases rapidly, enhancing its water storage capacity ( Kader et al., 2017 ).

Mulch acts as a barrier between the soil and external factors, preserving soil nutrients and promoting a healthy soil composition. In a similar study, Kasirajan and Ngouajio (2012) discovered that the use of black polythene mulch reduced nitrogen transport and leaching while enhancing bean crop utilization. Fang et al. (2011) observed that mulching with composted yard waste led to higher soil nutrient levels, including phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and organic matter when compared to uncovered soil. Additionally, mulching increased soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), total microbial biomass, and organic matter, while also enhancing water availability and soil porosity, resulting in better mineral absorption. Based on the research by Marwein (2016) , the use of mulch increased the total phosphorus concentration in the soil, with levels rising from 601–658 mg kg −1 after four years and 491–694 mg kg −1 after eleven years.

The introduction of organic acids into the soil through the decomposition of organic matter beneath plastic mulch can lower soil pH and increase the bioavailability of micronutrients such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe). Grewal (2020) found that Fe and Zn levels were elevated in the soil beneath plastic mulch, supporting this claim. Over time, the mineralization of organic nitrogen also increases the availability of nitrogen in the soil. Under plastic mulch, soluble nutrients such as nitrate (NO 3 − ), ammonium (NH 4 + ), calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), potassium (K + ), and fulvic acid are released as organic matter decomposes, enhancing the soil’s nutrient availability ( Thapa et al., 2022 ). Table 3 outlines the impact of mulching on soil fertility.

Table 3 Impact of mulching on soil fertility.

2.3.5 Moisture retaliation in the root zone

The application of mulch may prevent evaporation from the soil, which helps to maintain moisture levels around plant roots and increases the time available for plants to utilize water. As a consequence, the use of mulch may minimize the demand for irrigation in covered regions ( Ranjan et al., 2017 ). For plants to retain moisture in their roots, mulch is an essential component. Plants can retain more water for longer because this protective layer decreases evaporation by shielding them from wind and sunshine ( Tang et al., 2022 ). As an insulating layer, it controls soil temperature, reduces heat stress, and maintains consistent soil moisture levels. By reducing the rate at which water moves over the soil’s surface, mulch also reduces runoff, which means that more water makes it to the root zone ( Suburika et al., 2018 ). It prevents weeds from growing, which means less water is available for the roots and less watering is required. Mulches made of organic materials enhance soil structure as they decompose; this, in turn, increases the soil’s ability to hold water and provides more moisture for plant roots ( Fonteyne et al., 2020 ).

2.3.6 Increase the infiltration rate

Mulching can decrease surface runoff and improve the retention of rainwater on the soil surface, allowing water to penetrate the soil for a longer duration ( Eid and Negm, 2019 ). Conservation agriculture resulted in a reduction of irrigation water required by increasing the infiltration rate for crop production ( Belay et al., 2019 ). In high-potential areas of Zimbabwe, mulching was found to significantly decrease surface runoff and increase infiltration, based on experiments conducted ( Erenstein, 2002 ). Mulch, especially compost or wood chips, may improve soil structure by increasing organic matter, which in turn increases water retention and decreases runoff ( Rasyid et al., 2018 ). It prevents soil crusting and rainwater runoff by acting as a protective layer. Mulch promotes soil porosity by producing air pockets, enabling water to travel easily through the soil profile ( Čížková et al., 2021 ). The total penetration rate is increased when water penetrates the soil via the mulch layer. Furthermore, mulch lessens surface compaction, which in turn limits the circulation of water. By providing a cushioning effect, mulch lowers foot traffic and prevents heavy equipment from compacting the soil surface, enabling water to infiltrate the soil more quickly, thereby boosting the infiltration rate ( Baker et al., 2021 ).

2.3.7 Effect of mulching in weed management

Mulch may cover the soil surface or operate as a material barrier and limit weed growth or physically regulate seedling emergence ( Khan et al., 2022 ; Kaur et al., 2024 ). The lowest weed intensity was found in plots with polyethylene and straw mulch in comparison with plots with chemical mulch and without mulch. Weed management with and without mulch has documented considerable disparities between plots of various crops ( Yadav et al., 2018 ). Mulch is a simple technique for managing weed populations in nurseries as well as in the field. However, to date, the weed reduction phenomena have not been thoroughly understood ( Iqbal et al., 2020 ). When mulch is applied on the soil surface, it functions as a barrier to light transmission, decreasing the germination of small-seeded weeds. Different kinds of coatings (15 different types of coatings) were utilized compared to no coating, and the research findings revealed that there was little variation among all types of coatings, however, there were substantial changes in weed reduction when treating bare soil ( Kader et al., 2019 ).

Mulch serves as a barrier to weed development ( Ahmad et al., 2015 , 2020 ); nevertheless, when organic mulches break down, they rapidly rise to the land’s surfaces. Some natural mulches also have an allergenic impact and produce toxic compounds that are good for weed control. Additionally, the habitat generated by mulch is excellent for beneficial bacteria that feed on weed species or seeds from weeds ( Chalker-Scott, 2007 ). Likewise, living mulch is effective in suppressing weeds by competing for fundamental resources like light, moisture, nutrients, and oxygen. They also have therapeutic benefits on weeds. Various crops for cover and mulches also assist in minimizing weed seed germination and establishment ( Iqbal et al., 2020 ).

2.3.8 Water saved by mulching

The application of mulch is an effective water conservation method done in arid locations to maintain soil moisture, moderate temperature, and limit soil evaporation ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). The findings of Zribi et al. (2015) show that surface mulching is a popular strategy of water conservation in agricultural systems that rely on rainfall. Li et al. (2013) discovered that wheat straw mulch is less successful in keeping soil moisture in check than plastic sheet mulch. Qin et al. (2015) noted that mulching’s primary advantage is its ability to preserve soil moisture by minimizing water loss from the soil surface and erosion of soil. Kader et al. (2017) stated that mulching manages soil temperature and reduces soil evaporation to conserve soil water, lowering the need for irrigation during crop cultivation seasons. According to Li et al. (2019) , in order to increase system availability, mulching is essential for efficient heat and water transfer mechanisms. It is challenging to estimate how much water is conserved by mulching because of the interplay between the environment of the soil, plant development, and microclimate ( Steinmetz et al., 2016 ). The impact of different mulches on soil water content is presented in Table 4 .

Table 4 Impact of different mulches on the moisture content of the soil.

2.4 Benefits of mulching in dryland agriculture

The kind of material, ecological location, color, thickness, perforation, and availability of resources, as well as the practicality of growing crops, all influence the choice of an acceptable mulching material ( Li et al., 2017 ). When choosing a mulch, it’s crucial to take certain traits into account. Avoid using agricultural debris as mulch since it raises the possibility of spreading pests or viruses to farmed crops. Additionally, avoid using mulch that has weed seeds in it.

By slowing the rate of evaporation, mulching is a useful method for preserving soil moisture, especially in dryland environments ( Zribi et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). By enabling soil moisture to evaporate under the mulch layer and then condense again in the soil as droplets of water, plastic mulch with moisture-blocking qualities keeps soil moisture from leaving and may even improve soil moisture availability. Since the soil moisture is kept for many days, this helps to lengthen the application interval and decrease the need for irrigation throughout the crop growth season ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). Li et al. (2013) found that mulching with plastic is far more successful in retaining soil water than mulching with straw. By encouraging soil aeration around the plant, aggregating soil particles, and enhancing water drainage, mulching may increase soil productivity ( Kader et al., 2017 ). Mulching provides several benefits for dryland agriculture, including the mitigation of soil erosion, water droplet kinetic energy, weed development, soil water loss, and competition for nutrients and water with neighboring fields ( Yang et al., 2015 ; Kader et al., 2017 ). According to Qin et al. (2015) , mulch may also help improve soil structure and guide nutrient flow as a result of earthworm migration into the soil. It may also decrease the pH of the soil, which increases the availability of nutrients. Plastic mulch is marketed as a stronger process wall and as being impervious to gas migration.

2.5 Role of mulching on crop production

The majority of research on mulching has been on how it affects agricultural productivity or output. López-Tolentino et al. (2016) in cucumber and Wang et al. (2021) in maize have shown that black plastic mulch may boost crop yields in the early stages of growth. Strawberry establishment may be accelerated and increase in yield by using biodegradable plastic mulches ( Berglund et al., 2006 ). More study has been done on layer mulches in crops than on other kinds of mulch. Pine bark performed better than live sedum mulch in research on the impact of mulch types on vegetable output in a green roof system ( Whittinghill et al., 2016 ).

To ensure effective growth of potato tubers, the soil temperature must be maintained between 16 and 20°C ( Adamchuk et al., 2016 ). Dry conditions and temperatures higher than the ideal range can negatively impact tuber production, resulting in tuber malformation or chain sprouting of new, small tubers due to poor vegetative conditions. High temperatures can also lead to a reduction in the amount of storage components like starch, resulting in a change in tuber quality ( Ávila-Valdés et al., 2020 ). Worldwide, mulch is produced from natural sources like organic matter, straws, and other agricultural waste; one easy and useful mulch source is cereal straw ( Sabatino et al., 2018 ). Straw mulch treatment provides various advantages, including simplicity of application, lower soil temperature, less temperature changes during the day, and enhanced soil moisture. The effects of different mulches on various plants, such as tomatoes and eggplant, have been investigated ( Rodan et al., 2020 ). According to Abdrabbo et al. (2017) , the reaction of plants to plastic mulch is impacted by the kind of plant materials utilized and the surrounding environment. A study by Yin et al. (2012) found that mulching improved sweet cherry crops’ water status. Additionally, mulches encourage the establishment of roots, which benefits plant expansion and growth ( Kader et al., 2019 ). The effects of mulching on crop production are shown in Table 5 .

Table 5 Impact of mulching on crop yield.

2.6 Negative impact of mulching

The cost of labor, transportation, removal, and disposal of mulch can be high. The close contact of the plastic film with the soil can lead to soil fragmentation and contamination, as noted by Steinmetz et al. (2016) . Grass and straw, which are commonly used types of organic mulch, contain seeds that can promote weed growth and release acid into the soil ( Chalker-Scott, 2007 ; Patil et al., 2013 ). Organic mulch materials, particularly newspaper, can also be impacted by wind. Gonzalez-Dugo et al. (2014) found that the films burned and dumped on-site by farmers significantly contaminated the soil. The plastic film fragments that are discarded and buried in the arable land layer can slow crop growth.

Mulching is helpful for plants, but excessive or inappropriate application may lead to negative repercussions. Overly wet mulch may provide a permissive environment for root rot and fungal infections, thus it’s vital to monitor soil moisture levels and regulate the mulch thickness ( Souza et al., 2022 ). Mulch may also attract pests, such as termites, and can temporarily tie up nitrogen in the soil, producing stunted growth or fading leaves ( Caboň et al., 2021 ). To offset this, incorporating aged or decomposed mulch or supplement nitrogen fertilizer is necessary. Certain mulches, such as pine needles or oak leaves, might gently acidify the soil, helping acid-loving plants but adversely hurting neutral or alkaline plants. It’s crucial to examine the pH needs of plants and pick mulch appropriately. Thick amounts of organic mulch may block gas exchange, reducing oxygen supply to roots and fostering anaerobic conditions ( Juhos et al., 2023 ).

2.7 The economic advantage of mulching crop

mulching offers several economic advantages by improving water efficiency, reducing weed competition, enhancing soil fertility, controlling erosion, minimizing pest and disease issues, and decreasing labor and maintenance requirements ( Dong et al., 2018 ). By implementing mulching practices, individuals and businesses can realize cost savings, higher yields, and improved overall productivity ( Kader et al., 2019 ). While not directly economic, mulching can have positive environmental implications that can indirectly impact the economy. For example, mulching helps conserve water resources, reduce soil erosion, and minimize nutrient runoff, which can improve water quality. These environmental benefits can have long-term economic gains by reducing costs associated with water treatment or soil remediation ( Blaise et al., 2021 ).

It is important to note that the economic implications of mulching can vary depending on factors such as the specific crop or plant, regional conditions, scale of operations, and the overall management practices employed ( Dabi et al., 2017 ). Nevertheless, the potential cost savings, increased productivity, soil health benefits, reduced input requirements, and environmental advantages make mulching a valuable practice with positive economic implications in various contexts ( Choudhary and Bhambri, 2014 ).

3 Conclusion and future direction

Dryland farming focuses on rainfed agriculture, requiring efficient water resource utilization and water-conserving technologies. Mulching, a water conservation practice, is used in arid land areas to preserve soil moisture, control temperature, and minimize evaporation rates. Plastic film mulch usage increased by 5.7% in 2012, while organic mulching minimizes soil deterioration and enhances soil nutrient levels. Mulching reduces soil water loss, erosion, weed growth, and competition for nutrients and water with nearby fields. Mulching is a crucial practice in dryland agriculture, as rising temperatures and erratic rainfall can impact crop yield and soil moisture preservation. It is necessary to maintain soil moisture and make the most use of water.

Mulching materials may decrease nitrate leaching, increase microbial activity, and enhance soil characteristics. They can be inorganic, organic, or unique materials. However, the ecology of the soil and the environment are adversely affected by plastic mulching. Research is also ongoing on new mulching materials, including textile, petroleum-based, and biodegradable options. There is a need for further research since mulches made from recycled paper may leak ink into soil surfaces. Comprehending the mechanics of water flow and the interplay between soil mulch and the plant-canopy interface is crucial for optimizing mulching methods in agricultural soil.

Author contributions

AD: Conceptualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. GA: Writing – review & editing.

The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

Abdrabbo M. A. A., Saleh S. M., Hashem F. A. (2017). Eggplant production under deficit irrigation and polyethylene mulch. Egypt J. Appl. Sci. 32, 148–161.

Google Scholar

Adamchuk V., Prysyazhnyi V., Ivanovs S., Bulgakov V. (2016). “May. Investigations in technological method of growing potatoes under mulch of straw and its effect on the yield,” in Proceedings of the 15th International Scientific Conference Engineering for Rural Development, Jelgava. Vol. 25, 2016.

Adeboye O. B., Schultz B., Adekalu K. O., Prasad K. (2017). Soil water storage, yield, water productivity and transpiration efficiency of soybeans (Glyxine max L. Merr) as affected by soil surface management in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Int. Soil Water Conserv. Res. 5, 141–150. doi: 10.1016/j.iswcr.2017.04.006

CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

Adhikari R., Bristow K. L., Casey P. S., Freischmidt G., Hornbuckle J. W., Adhikari B. (2016). Preformed and sprayable polymeric mulch film to improve agricultural water use efficiency. Agric. Water Manage. 169, 1–13. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2016.02.006

Agassi M., Hadas A., Benyamini Y., Levy G. J., Kautsky L., Avrahamov L., et al. (1998). Mulching effects of composted MSW on water percolation and compost degradation rate. Compost Sci. Utilization. 6, 34–41. doi: 10.1080/1065657X.1998.10701929

Ahmad S., Raza M. A. S., Saleem M. F., Zahra S. S., Khan I. H., Ali M., et al. (2015). Mulching strategies for weeds control and water conservation in cotton. J. Agric. Biol. Sci. 8, 299–306.

Alami-Milani M., Amini R., Mohammadinasab A. D., Shafaghkalvanegh J., Asgharzade A., Emaratpardaz J. (2013). Yield and yield components of lentil (Lens culinaris Medick.) affected by drought stress and mulch. Int. J. Agric. Crop Sci. 5, 1228.

Ali Mozaffari G. (2022). Climate change and its consequences in agriculture. Harris S. A. (ed.) The nature, causes, effects and mitigation of climate change on the environment . doi: 10.5772/intechopen.101444

Arora V. K., Singh C. B., Sidhu A. S., Thind S. S. (2011). Irrigation, tillage and mulching effects on soybean yield and water productivity in relation to soil texture. Agric. Water Manage. 98, 563–568. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2010.10.004

Ashrafuzzaman M., Halim M. A., Ismail M. R., Shahidullah S. M., Hossain M. A. (2011). Effect of plastic mulch on growth and yield of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.). Braz. Arch. Biol. Technol. 54, 321–330. doi: 10.1590/S1516-89132011000200014

Ávila-Valdés A., Quinet M., Lutts S., Martínez J. P., Lizana X. C. (2020). Tuber yield and quality responses of potato to moderate temperature increase during Tuber bulking under two water availability scenarios. Field Crops Res. 251, 107786. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2020.107786

Baker J., Albrecht K., Feyereisen G., Gamble J. (2021). A perennial living mulch substantially increases infiltration in row crop systems. J. Soil Water Conserv. 77, 212–220. doi: 10.2489/jswc.2022.00080

Bakshi P., Wali V. K., Iqbal M., Jasrotia A., Kour K., Ahmed R., et al. (2015). Sustainable fruit production by soil moisture conservation with different mulches: A review. Afr. J. Agric. Res. 10, 4718–4729. doi: 10.5897/AJAR2014.9149

Bantle A., Borken W., Ellerbrock R. H., Schulze E. D., Weisser W. W., Matzner E. (2014). Quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon released from coarse woody debris of different tree species in the early phase of decomposition. For. Ecol. Manage. 329, 287–294. doi: 10.1016/j.foreco.2014.06.035

Barajas-Guzmán M. G., Campo J., Barradas V. L. (2006). Soil water, nutrient availability and sapling survival under organic and polyethylene mulch in a seasonally dry tropical forest. Plant Soil 287, 347–357. doi: 10.1007/s11104-006-9082-7

Bashir S., Javed A., Bibi I., Ahmad N. (2017). Soil and water conservation (Pakistan: University of Agriculture, Faisalabad), 263–286.

Belay S. A., Schmitter P., Worqlul A. W., Steenhuis T. S., Reyes M. R., Tilahun S. A. (2019). Conservation agriculture saves irrigation water in the dry monsoon phase in the Ethiopian highlands. Water 11, 2103. doi: 10.3390/w11102103

Berglund R., Svensson B., Gertsson U. (2006). Impact of plastic mulch and poultry manure on plant establishment in organic strawberry production. J. Plant Nutr. 29, 103–112. doi: 10.1080/01904160500416497

Bhardwaj R. L. (2013). Effect of mulching on crop production under rainfed condition-a review. Agric. Rev. 34, 188–197. doi: 10.5958/j.0976-0741.34.3.003

Blaise D., Manikandan A., Desouza N., Bhargavi B., Somasundaram J. (2021). Intercropping and mulching in rain-dependent cotton can improve soil structure and reduce erosion. Environ. Adv. 4, 100068. doi: 10.1016/j.envadv.2021.100068

Caboň M., Galvánek D., Detheridge A. P., Griffith G. W., Maráková S., Adamčík S. (2021). Mulching has negative impact on fungal and plant diversity in Slovak oligotrophic grasslands. Basic Appl. Ecol. 52, 24–37. doi: 10.1016/j.baae.2021.02.007

Chalker-Scott L. (2007). Impact of mulches on landscape plants and the environment—A review. J. Environ. Hortic. 25, 239–249. doi: 10.24266/0738-2898-25.4.239

Chaudhary R. S., Patnaik U. S., Dass A. (2003). Efficacy of mulches in conserving monsoonal moisture for the Rabi crops. J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci. 51, 495–498.

Chen J., Heiling M., Resch C., Mbaye M., Gruber R., Dercon G. (2018). Does maize and legume crop residue mulch matter in soil organic carbon sequestration? Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 265, 123–131. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2018.06.005

Chen N., Li X., Šimůnek J., Shi H., Hu Q., Zhang Y. (2021). Evaluating the effects of biodegradable and plastic film mulching on soil temperature in a drip-irrigated field. Soil Tillage Res. 213, 105116. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2021.105116

Chen Q., Liu Z., Zhou J., Xu X., Zhu Y. (2021). Long-term straw mulching with nitrogen fertilization increases nutrient and microbial determinants of soil quality in a maize–wheat rotation on China's Loess Plateau. Sci. Total Environ. 775, 145930. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.145930

Choudhary V., Bhambri M. (2014). Agro-economic potential of capsicum with drip irrigation and mulching. SAARC J. Agric. 10, 51–60. doi: 10.3329/sja.v10i2.18323

Čížková A., Burg P., Zatloukal P., Vaidová M. (2021). Organic mulch materials improve soil moisture in vineyard. Soil Sci. Annu. 72, 1–6. doi: 10.37501/soilsa/140644

Dabi N., Fikirie K., Mulualem T. (2017). Soil and water conservation practices on crop productivity and its economic implications in Ethiopia: A review. Asian J. Agric. Res. 11, 128–136. doi: 10.3923/ajar.2017.128.136

Danish M., Kumar R., Sahu R. K. (2020). Effect of rate of organic mulch on soil moisture conservation. IJCS 8, 631–635. doi: 10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i3g.9277

Daryanto S., Wang L., Jacinthe P. A. (2017). Global synthesis of drought effects on cereal, legume, tuber and root crops production: A review. Agric. Water Manage. 179, 18–33. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2016.04.022

Dass A., Singh A., Rana K. S. (2013). In-situ moisture conservation and nutrient management practices in fodder-sorghum (Sorghum bicolor). Ann. Agric. Res. 34, 254–259.

Davis A. J., Strik B. C. (2022). Long-term effects of pre-plant incorporation with sawdust, sawdust mulch, and nitrogen fertilizer rate on ‘Elliott’ Highbush blueberry. HortScience 57, 414–421. doi: 10.21273/hortsci16359-21

De Biman, Bandyopadhyay S., Mukhopadhyay D. (2021). Tillage-mulch-nutrient interaction effect on N, P and K balance in soil and plant uptake in maize-black gram cropping system in an acid soil of North Bengal. J. Indian Soc. Soil Sci. 69, 50–59. doi: 10.5958/0974-0228.2021.00020.7

Devasinghe D. A. U. D., Premaratne K. P., Sangakkara U. R. (2015). Impact of rice straw mulch on growth. Yield Components and Yield of Direct Seeded Lowland Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) . Trop. Agric. Res. 24, 4. doi: 10.4038/tar.v24i4.8018

Dong Q., Yang Y., Yu K., Feng H. (2018). Effects of straw mulching and plastic film mulching on improving soil organic carbon and nitrogen fractions, crop yield and water use efficiency in the Loess Plateau, China. Agric. Water Manage. 201, 133–143. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2018.01.021

Duan C., Chen G., Hu Y., Wu S., Feng H. (2021). Alternating wide ridges and narrow furrows with film mulching improves soil hydrothermal conditions and maize water use efficiency in dry sub-humid regions. Agric. Water Manage. 245, 106559. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106559

Eid A. R., Negm A. (2019). Improving agricultural crop yield and water productivity via sustainable and engineering techniques. Conventional Water Resour. Agric. Egypt , 561–591. doi: 10.1007/698_2018_259

El-Beltagi H. S., Basit A., Mohamed H. I., Ali I., Ullah S., Kamel E. A., et al. (2022). Mulching as a sustainable water and soil saving practice in agriculture: A review. Agronomy 12, 1881. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12081881

Erenstein O. (2002). Crop residue mulching in tropical and semi-tropical countries: An evaluation of residue availability and other technological implications. Soil tillage Res. 67, 115–133. doi: 10.1016/S0167-1987(02)00062-4

Fang S., Xie B., Liu D., Liu J. (2011). Effects of mulching materials on nitrogen mineralization, nitrogen availability and poplar growth on degraded agricultural soil. New Forests 41, 147–162. doi: 10.1007/s11056-010-9217-9

Fernández C. (2023). Effects of post-fire application of straw mulch strips on soil erosion, soil moisture and vegetation regeneration in European dry heathlands in NW Spain. Ecol. Eng. 196, 107095. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoleng.2023.107095

Fetri M., Ghobadi M. E., Ghobadi M., Mohammadi G. (2015). Effects of mulch and sowing depth on yield and yield components of rain-fed chickpea (Cicer arietinum. L). Jordan J. Agric. Sci. 11.

Fonteyne S., Singh R. G., Govaerts B., Verhulst N. (2020). Rotation, mulch and zero tillage reduce weeds in a long-term conservation agriculture trial. Agronomy 10, 962. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10070962

Gan Y., Siddique K. H., Turner N. C., Li X. G., Niu J. Y., Yang C., et al. (2013). Ridge-furrow mulching systems—an innovative technique for boosting crop productivity in semiarid rain-fed environments. Adv. Agron. 118, 429–476. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-12-405942-9.00007-4

Gao S., Tang G., Hua D., Xiong R., Han J., Jiang S., et al. (2019). Stimuli-responsive bio-based polymeric systems and their applications. J. Mater. Chem. B 7, 709–729. doi: 10.1039/C8TB02491J

PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar

García-Orenes F., Cerdà A., Mataix-Solera J., Guerrero C., Bodí M. B., Arcenegui V., et al. (2009). Effects of agricultural management on surface soil properties and soil–water losses in eastern Spain. Soil Tillage Res. 106, 117–123. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2009.06.002

Gheshm R., Brown R. N. (2020). The effects of black and white plastic mulch on soil temperature and yield of crisphead lettuce in Southern New England. HortTechnology 30, 781–788. doi: 10.21273/HORTTECH04674-20

Gonzalez-Dugo V., Zarco-Tejada P. J., Fereres E. (2014). Applicability and limitations of using the crop water stress index as an indicator of water deficits in citrus orchards. Agric. For. Meteorol. 198, 94–104. doi: 10.1016/j.agrformet.2014.08.003

Goodman B. A. (2020). Utilization of waste straw and husks from rice production: A review. J. Biores. Bioprod. 5, 143–162. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001

Gordon G. G., Foshee W. G., Reed S. T., Brown J. E., Vinson E. L. (2010). The effects of colored plastic mulches and row covers on the growth and yield of okra. HortTechnology 20, 224–233. doi: 10.21273/HORTTECH.20.1.224

Gosar B., Baričevič D. (2011). Ridge–furrow–ridge rainwater harvesting system with mulches and supplemental Irrigation. HortScience 46, 108–112. doi: 10.21273/HORTSCI.46.1.108

Grewal A. (2020). Haskap (Lonicera caerulea L.) Response to plastic Mulch colours and fertility amendments . Doctoral dissertation.

Gu X. B., Li Y. N., Du Y. D. (2017). Biodegradable film mulching improves soil temperature, moisture and seed yield of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). Soil Tillage Res. 171, 42–50. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2017.04.008

Guo C. H. E. N., Liu S., Xiang Y., Tang X., Liu H., Yao B., et al. (2020). Impact of living mulch on soil C: N: P stoichiometry in orchards across China: A meta-analysis examining climatic, edaphic, and biotic dependency. Pedosphere 30, 181–189. doi: 10.1016/S1002-0160(20)60003-0

Haapala T., Palonen P., Korpela A., Ahokas J. (2014). Feasibility of paper mulches in crop production, a review. Agric. Food Sci. 23, 60–79. doi: 10.23986/afsci.8542

Hashim S., Marwat K. B., Saeed M., Haroon M., Waqas M., Shah F. (2013). Developing a sustainable and eco-friendly weed management system using organic and inorganic mulching techniques. Pakistan J. Bot. 45, 483–486.

Iqbal R., Raza M. A. S., Valipour M., Saleem M. F., Zaheer M. S., Ahmad S., et al. (2020). Potential agricultural and environmental benefits of mulches—a review. Bull. Natl. Res. Centre 44, 1–16. doi: 10.1186/s42269-020-00290-3

Jabran K., Ullah E., Hussain M., Farooq M., Zaman U., Yaseen M., et al. (2015). Mulching improves water productivity, yield and quality of fine rice under water-saving rice production systems. J. Agron. Crop Sci. 201, 389–400. doi: 10.1111/jac.12099

Jain N. K., Meena H. N., Bhaduri D. (2017). Improvement in productivity, water-use efficiency, and soil nutrient dynamics of summer peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) through use of polythene mulch, hydrogel, and nutrient management. Commun. Soil Sci. Plant Anal. 48, 549–564. doi: 10.1080/00103624.2016.1269792

Jat H. S., Singh G., Singh R., Choudhary M., Jat M. L., Gathala M. K., et al. (2015). Management influence on maize–wheat system performance, water productivity and soil biology. Soil Use Manage. 31, 534–543. doi: 10.1111/sum.12208

Javaid M. M., AlGwaiz H. I., Waheed H., Ashraf M., Mahmood A., Li F. M., et al. (2022). Ridge-furrow mulching enhances capture and utilization of rainfall for improved maize production under rain-fed conditions. Agronomy 12, 1187. doi: 10.3390/agronomy12051187

Jia H., Wang Z., Zhang J., Li W., Ren Z., Jia Z., et al. (2020). Effects of biodegradable mulch on soil water and heat conditions, yield and quality of processing tomatoes by drip irrigation. J. Arid Land 12, 819–836. doi: 10.1007/s40333-020-0108-4

Jiang S., Gao X., Liang J., Wang P., Gao J., Qu Y., et al. (2012). Effect of different furrow and mulched ridge on water moisture conversation and water saving of spring mung bean planted farmland. J. Agric. Sci. 4, 132. doi: 10.5539/jas.v4n7p132

Juhos K., Papdi E., Kovács F., Vasileiadis V. P., Veres A. (2023). The effect of wool mulch on plant development in the context of the physical and biological conditions in soil. Plants 12, 684. doi: 10.3390/plants12030684

Jun F., Yu G., Quanjiu W., Malhi S. S., Yangyang L. (2014). Mulching effects on water storage in soil and its depletion by alfalfa in the Loess Plateau of northwestern China. Agric. Water Manage. 138, 10–16. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2014.02.018

Kader M. A., Senge M., Mojid M. A., Ito K. (2017). Recent advances in mulching materials and methods for modifying soil environment. Soil Tillage Res. 168, 155–166. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2017.01.001

Kader M. A., Singha A., Begum M. A., Jewel A., Khan F. H., Khan N. I. (2019). Mulching as water-saving technique in dryland agriculture. Bull. Natl. Res. Centre 43, 1–6. doi: 10.1186/s42269-019-0186-7

Kalita N. (2022). Effect of mulch types on soil moisture, soil fertility, growth and yield of pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) in hill zone of Assam. Ann. Plant Soil Res 24 (3), 391–395. doi: 10.47815/apsr.2021.10181

Kamal I., Gelicus A., Allaf K. (2012). Impact of instant controlled pressure drop (DIC) treatment on drying kinetics and caffeine extraction from green coffee beans. J. Food Res. 1, 24. doi: 10.5539/jfr.v1n1p24

Kasirajan S., Ngouajio M. (2012). Polyethylene and biodegradable mulches for agricultural applications: a review. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 32, 501–529. doi: 10.1007/s13593-011-0068-3

Kaur R., Bana R. S., Singh T., SL M., Raj R., Govindasamy P., et al. (2024). Sequential herbicide application coupled with mulch enhances the productivity and quality of winter onion (Allium cepa L.) while effectively controlling the mixed weed flora. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 7, 1271340. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2023.1271340

Kazemi F., Safari N. (2018). Effect of mulches on some characteristics of a drought tolerant flowering plant for urban landscaping. Desert 23, 75–84.

Khan B. A., Nijabat A., Khan M. I., Khan I., Hashim S., Nadeem M. A., et al. (2022). “Implications of Mulching on weed management in crops and vegetable,” in Mulching in Agroecosystems: Plants, Soil & Environment (Springer Nature Singapore, Singapore), 199–213.

Kishore G., Babu B. M., Mattaparti L. D. (2022). Influence of plastic mulching and irrigation levels on soil temperature, moisture and water use efficiency of tomato crop (Solanum lycopersicum). Int. J. Plant Soil Sci. 34(20), 277–282. doi: 10.9734/ijpss/2022/v34i2031152

Kosterna E. (2014). Organic mulches in the vegetable cultivation (a review). Ecol. Chem. Eng. 21, 481–492. doi: 10.1016/j.jobab.2020.07.001

Kumari P., Ojha R. K., Job M. (2016). Effect of plastic mulches on soil temperature and tomato yield inside and outside the polyhouse. Agric. Sci. Digest-A Res. J. 36, 333–336. doi: 10.18805/asd.v36i4.6479

Kuniga T., Hoshi N., Kita M. (2018). “Effect of reflective mulching sheets on citrus tree growth,” in XXI International Congress on Plastics in Agriculture: Agriculture, Plastics and Environment . 1252, 265–270.

Larentzaki E., Plate J., Nault B. A., Shelton A. M. (2008). Impact of straw mulch on populations of onion thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in onion. J. Econ. Entomol. 101, 1317–1324. doi: 10.1093/jee/101.4.1317

Larkin R. P. (2020). Effects of selected soil amendments and mulch type on soil properties and productivity in organic vegetable production. Agronomy 10, 795. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10060795

Lee J. G., Hwang H. Y., Park M. H., Lee C. H., Kim P. J. (2019). Depletion of soil organic carbon stocks are larger under plastic film mulching for maize. Eur. J. Soil Sci. 70, 807–818. doi: 10.1111/ejss.12757

Li R., Hou X., Jia Z., Han Q., Yang B. (2012). Effects of rainfall harvesting and mulching technologies on soil water, temperature, and maize yield in Loess Plateau region of China. Soil Res. 50, 105–113. doi: 10.1071/SR11331

Li Q., Li H., Zhang L., Zhang S., Chen Y. (2018). Mulching improves yield and water-use efficiency of potato cropping in China: A meta-analysis. Field Crops Res. 221, 50–60. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2018.02.017

Li S. X., Wang Z. H., Li S. Q., Gao Y. J., Tian X. H. (2013). Effect of plastic sheet mulch, wheat straw mulch, and maize growth on water loss by evaporation in dryland areas of China. Agric. Water Manage. 116, 39–49. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2012.10.004

Li C., Wang Q., Wang N., Luo X., Li Y., Zhang T., et al. (2021). Effects of different plastic film mulching on soil hydrothermal conditions and grain-filling process in an arid irrigation district. Sci. Total Environ. 795, 148886. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148886

Li C., Wang C., Wen X., Qin X., Liu Y., Han J., et al. (2017). Ridge–furrow with plastic film mulching practice improves maize productivity and resource use efficiency under the wheat–maize double–cropping system in dry semi–humid areas. Field Crops Res. 203, 201–211. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2016.12.029

Li C., Wen X., Wan X., Liu Y., Han J., Liao Y., et al. (2016). Towards the highly effective use of precipitation by ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching instead of relying on irrigation resources in a dry semi-humid area. Field Crops Res. 188, 62–73. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2016.01.013

Li W., Xiong L., Wang C., Liao Y., Wu W. (2019). Optimized ridge–furrow with plastic film mulching system to use precipitation efficiently for winter wheat production in dry semi–humid areas. Agric. Water Manage. 218, 211–221. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2019.03.048

Li Z., Zhang Q., Qiao Y., Du K., Li Z., Tian C., et al. (2022). Influence of straw mulch and no-tillage on soil respiration, its components and economic benefit in a Chinese wheat–maize cropping system. Global Ecol. Conserv. 34, e02013. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02013

Liao Y., Cao H. X., Liu X., Li H. T., Hu Q. Y., Xue W. K. (2021). By increasing infiltration and reducing evaporation, mulching can improve the soil water environment and apple yield of orchards in semiarid areas. Agric. Water Manage. 253, 106936. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2021.106936

Liu Z., Li Z., Huang F., Wang B., Zhao C., Zhang P., et al. (2022). Plastic film mulching and biochar amendment enhance maize yield and nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency by reducing gaseous nitrogen losses. Field Crops Res. 289, 108714. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2022.108714

López-Tolentino G., Ibarra-Jiménez L., Méndez-Prieto A., Lozano-del Río A. J., Lira-Saldivar R. H., Valenzuela-Soto J. H., et al. (2016). Photosynthesis, growth, and fruit yield of cucumber in response to oxo-degradable plastic mulches. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B Soil & Plant Science . 67, 1, 77–84. doi: 10.1080/09064710.2016.1224376

Lu H., Xia Z., Fu Y., Wang Q., Xue J., Chu J. (2020). Response of soil temperature, moisture, and spring maize (Zea mays L.) root/shoot growth to different mulching materials in semi-arid areas of Northwest China. Agronomy 10, 453. doi: 10.3390/agronomy10040453

Łukasiewicz S. (2013). Hazards of excessive use of bark mulch in green areas. Ecol. Questions 18. doi: 10.2478/ecoq-2013-0006

Luo L., Hui X., He G., Wang S., Wang Z., Siddique K. H. (2022). Benefits and limitations to plastic mulching and nitrogen fertilization on grain yield and sulfur nutrition: Multi-site field trials in the semiarid area of China. Front. Plant Sci. 13, 799093. doi: 10.3389/fpls.2022.799093

Ma J., Chang L., Li Y., Lan X., Ji W., Zhang J., et al. (2024). Straw strip mulch improves soil moisture similar to plastic film mulch but with a higher net income. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 362, 108855. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2023.108855

Ma D., Chen L., Qu H., Wang Y., Misselbrook T., Jiang R. (2018). Impacts of plastic film mulching on crop yields, soil water, nitrate, and organic carbon in Northwestern China: A meta-analysis. Agric. Water Manage. 202, 166–173. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2018.02.001

Malik A., Shakir A. S., Khan M. J., Naveedullah M., Ajmal M., Ahmad S. (2018). Effects of different mulching techniques on sugar beet performance under semi-arid subtropical climatic conditions. Pak J. Bot. 50, 1219–1224.

Mallory E., Smagula J. (2014). EFFECTS OF SEAFOOD-WASTE COMPOST AND MULCH ON SOIL HEALTH AND SOIL NUTRIENT DYNAMICS IN WILD BLUEBERRY (VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM AIT.). Acta Hortic. 1017, 461–468. doi: 10.17660/actahortic.2014.1017.57

Market A. C. (2016). Transparency Market Research State Tower . (Albany, NY, United States).

Marwein Y.E.A.R.B.O.K. (2016). Influence of organic mulching on soil moisture and yield of rajma (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties under mid altitude of Meghalaya . Central Agricultural University-Imphal, 76p. Unpublished M. Sc. dissertation, submitted to the College of Postgraduate Studies.

McMillen M. (2013). The effect of mulch type and thickness on the soil surface evaporation rate (San Luis Obispo, CA, USA: California Polytechnic State University).

Mehmood S., Zamir S., Rasool T., Akbar W. (2014). Effect of tillage and mulching on soil fertility and grain yield of sorghum. Sci. Agric. 8, 31–36. doi: 10.15192/pscp.sa.2014.4.1.3136

Moursy F. S., Mostafa F. A., Solieman N. Y. (2015). Polyethylene and rice straw as soil mulching: reflection of soil mulch type on soil temperature, soil borne diseases, plant growth and yield of tomato. Global J. Advanced Res. 2, 1497–1519.

Paradelo R., Devesa-Rey R., Cancelo-González J., Basanta R., Pena M., Díaz-Fierros F., et al. (2012). Effect of a compost mulch on seed germination and plant growth in a burnt forest soil from NW Spain. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutr. 12, 73–86. doi: 10.4067/s0718-95162012000100007

Patil S. S., Kelkar T. S., Bhalerao S. M., Soil A., Practice W. C. (2013). A soil and water conservation practice. Res. J. Agric. For 1, 26–29. doi: 10.14303/irjas.2013.114

Puka-Beals J., Gramig G. (2021). Weed suppression potential of living mulches, newspaper hydromulches, and compost blankets in organically managed carrot production. HortTechnology 31, 89–96. doi: 10.21273/HORTTECH04745-20

Qin W., Chi B., Oenema O. (2013). Long-term monitoring of rainfed wheat yield and soil water at the loess plateau reveals low water use efficiency. PloS One 8, e78828. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078828

Qin W., Hu C., Oenema O. (2015). Soil mulching significantly enhances yields and water and nitrogen use efficiencies of maize and wheat: a meta-analysis. Sci. Rep. 5, 16210. doi: 10.1038/srep16210

Qin S., Li S., Kang S., Du T., Tong L., Ding R. (2016). Can the drip irrigation under film mulch reduce crop evapotranspiration and save water under the sufficient irrigation condition? Agric. Water Manage. 177, 128–137. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2016.06.022

Qin S., Zhang J., Dai H., Wang D., Li D. (2014). Effect of ridge–furrow and plastic-mulching planting patterns on yield formation and water movement of potato in a semi-arid area. Agric. Water Manage. 131, 87–94. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2013.09.015

Qin S., Zhang Y., Wang J., Wang C., Mo Y., Gong S. (2022). Transparent and black film mulching improve photosynthesis and yield of summer maize in North China plain. Agriculture 12, 719. doi: 10.3390/agriculture12050719

Qiu Y., Wang X., Xie Z., Wang Y. (2020). Effects of gravel-sand mulch on the runoff, erosion, and nutrient losses in the Loess Plateau of north-western China under simulated rainfall. Soil Water Res. 16, 22–28. doi: 10.17221/141/2019-swr

Rajablariani H. R., Hassankhan F., Rafezi R. (2012). Effect of colored plastic mulches on yield of tomato and weed biomass. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Dev. 3, 590. doi: 10.7763/IJESD.2012.V3.291

Ranjan P., Patle G. T., Prem M., Solanke K. R. (2017). Organic mulching-A water saving technique to increase the production of fruits and vegetables. Curr. Agric. Res. J. 5(3), 371–380. doi: 10.12944/CARJ.5.3.17

Rasyid B., Oda M., Omae H. (2018). “Soil water retention and plant growth response on the soil affected by continuous organic matter and plastic mulch application,” in IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, IOP Publishing Vol. 157. 012008. doi: 10.1088/1755-1315/157/1/012008

Rodan M. A., Hassandokht M. R., Sadeghzadeh-Ahari D., Mousavi A. (2020). Mitigation of drought stress in eggplant by date straw and plastic mulches. J. Saudi Soc. Agric. Sci. 19, 492–498. doi: 10.1016/j.jssas.2020.09.006

Sabatino L., Iapichino G., Vetrano F., Moncada A., Miceli A., De Pasquale C., et al. (2018). EFFECTS OF POLYETHYLENE AND BIODEGRADABLE STARCH-BASED MULCHING FILMS ON EGGPLANT PRODUCTION IN A MEDITERRANEAN AREA. Carpathian J. Food Sci. Technol. 10. doi: 10.17660/actahortic.2014.1015.25

Safari N., Kazemi F., Tehranifar A. (2021). Examining temperature and soil moisture contents of mulches in the urban landscaping of an arid region. Desert 26, 139–156.

Saikia U. S., Kumar A., Das S., Pradhan R., Goswami B., Wungleng V. C., et al. (2014). Effect of mulching on microclimate, growth and yield of mustard (Brassica juncea) under mid-hill condition of Meghalaya. J. Agrometeorol 16, 144–145. doi: 10.54386/jam.v16i1.1502

Serrano-Ruiz H., Martin-Closas L., Pelacho A. M. (2021). Biodegradable plastic mulches: Impact on the agricultural biotic environment. Sci. Total Environ. 750, 141228. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141228

Shashidhar K. R., Bhaskar R. N., Priyadharshini P., Chandrakumar H. L. (2008). Effect of different organic mulches on pH, organic carbon content and microbial status of soil and its influence on leaf yield of M5 mulberry (Morus indica L.) under rainfed condition. Curr. Biotica 2, 405–413.

Snyder K., Grant A., Murray C., Wolff B. (2015). The effects of plastic mulch systems on soil temperature and moisture in central Ontario. HortTechnology 25, 162–170. doi: 10.21273/HORTTECH.25.2.162

Song X., Sun R., Chen W., Wang M. (2019). Effects of surface straw mulching and buried straw layer on soil water content and salinity dynamics in saline soils. Can. J. Soil Sci. 100, 58–68. doi: 10.1139/cjss-2019-0038

Souza R., Jha A., Calabrese S. (2022). Quantifying the hydrological impact of soil mulching across rainfall regimes and mulching layer thickness. J. Hydrol. 607, 127523. doi: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2022.127523

Steinmetz Z., Wollmann C., Schaefer M., Buchmann C., David J., Tröger J., et al. (2016). Plastic mulching in agriculture. Trading short-term agronomic benefits for long-term soil degradation? Sci. Total Environ. 550, 690–705. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.01.153

Subrahmaniyan K., Zhou W. (2008). Soil temperature associated with degradable, non-degradable plastic and organic mulches and their effect on biomass production, enzyme activities and seed yield of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). J. Sustain. Agric. 32, 611–627. doi: 10.1080/10440040802394927

Suburika F., Mangera Y., Wahida W. (2018). Conservation of soil moisture using mulch of green bean plants (Vigna radiata). Musamus AE Featuring J. 1, 10–18. doi: 10.35724/maef-j.v1i1.1609

Tan S., Wang Q., Xu D., Zhang J., Shan Y. (2017). Evaluating effects of four controlling methods in bare strips on soil temperature, water, and salt accumulation under film-mulched drip irrigation. Field Crops Res. 214, 350–358. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2017.09.004

Tan Z., Yi Y., Wang H., Zhou W., Yang Y., Wang C. (2016). Physical and degradable properties of mulching films prepared from natural fibers and biodegradable polymers. Appl. Sci. 6, 147. doi: 10.3390/app6050147

Tang M., Gao X., Wu P., Li H., Zhang C. (2022). Effects of living mulch and branches mulching on soil moisture, temperature and growth of rain-fed jujube trees. Plants 11, 2654. doi: 10.3390/plants11192654

Teame G., Tsegay A., Abrha B. (2017). Effect of organic mulching on soil moisture, yield, and yield contributing components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Int. J. Agron. 2017, 1–6. doi: 10.1155/2017/4767509

Tellen V. A., Yerima B. P. (2018). Effects of land use change on soil physicochemical properties in selected areas in the North West region of Cameroon. Environ. Syst. Res. 7, 1–29. doi: 10.1186/s40068-018-0106-0

Thapa R., Tully K. L., Reberg-Horton C., Cabrera M., Davis B. W., Fleisher D., et al. (2022). Cover crop residue decomposition in no-till cropping systems: Insights from multi-state on-farm litter bag studies. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 326, 107823. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2021.107823

Torres-Olivar V., Ibarra-Jiménez L., Cárdenas-Flores A., Lira-Saldivar R. H., Valenzuela-Soto J. H., Castillo-Campohermoso M. A. (2018). Changes induced by plastic film mulches on soil temperature and their relevance in growth and fruit yield of pickling cucumber. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica Section B—Soil Plant Sci. 68, 97–103. doi: 10.1080/09064710.2017.1367836

Tuure J., Räsänen M., Hautala M., Pellikka P., Mäkelä P. S. A., Alakukku L. (2021). Plant residue mulch increases measured and modelled soil moisture content in the effective root zone of maize in semi-arid Kenya. Soil Tillage Res. 209, 104945. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2021.104945

Wang Z., Li M., Flury M., Schaeffer S. M., Chang Y., Tao Z., et al. (2021). Agronomic performance of polyethylene and biodegradable plastic film mulches in a maize cropping system in a humid continental climate. Sci. Total Environ. 786, 147460. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147460

Whittinghill L. J., Rowe D. B., Ngouajio M., Cregg B. M. (2016). Evaluation of nutrient management and mulching strategies for vegetable production on an extensive green roof. Agroecol. Sustain. Food Syst. 40, 297–318. doi: 10.1080/21683565.2015.1129011

Xie Z. K., Wang Y. J., Li F. M. (2005). Effect of plastic mulching on soil water use and spring wheat yield in arid region of northwest China. Agric. Water Manage. 75, 71–83. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2004.12.014

Xiukang W., Zhanbin L., Yingying X. (2015). Effects of mulching and nitrogen on soil temperature, water content, nitrate-N content and maize yield in the Loess Plateau of China. Agric. Water Manage. 161, 53–64. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2015.07.019

Yadav G. S., Das A., Lal R., Babu S., Meena R. S., Patil S. B., et al. (2018). Conservation tillage and mulching effects on the adaptive capacity of direct-seeded upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) to alleviate weed and moisture stresses in the North Eastern Himalayan Region of India. Arch. Agron. Soil Sci. 64, 1254–1267. doi: 10.1080/03650340.2018.1423555

Yang L., Muhammad I., Chi Y. X., Wang D., Zhou X. B. (2022). Straw return and nitrogen fertilization to maize regulate soil properties, microbial community, and enzyme activities under a dual cropping system. Front. Microbiol. 13, 823963. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.823963

Yang J., Qin R., Shi X., Wei H., Sun G., Li F. M., et al. (2022). The effects of plastic film mulching and straw mulching on licorice root yield and soil organic carbon content in a dryland farming. Sci. Total Environ. 826, 154113. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154113

Yang N., Sun Z. X., Feng L. S., Zheng M. Z., Chi D. C., Meng W. Z., et al. (2015). Plastic film mulching for water-efficient agricultural applications and degradable films materials development research. Mater. Manufacturing Processes 30, 143–154. doi: 10.1080/10426914.2014.930958

Yin X., Long L. E., Huang X. L., Jaja N., Bai J., Seavert C. F., et al. (2012). Transitional effects of double-lateral drip irrigation and straw mulch on irrigation water consumption, mineral nutrition, yield, and storability of sweet cherry. HortTechnology 22, 484–492. doi: 10.21273/HORTTECH.22.4.484

Yin W., Feng F., Zhao C., Yu A., Hu F., Chai Q., et al. (2016). Integrated double mulching practices optimizes soil temperature and improves soil water utilization in arid environments. Int. J. Biometeorol . 60 (9), 1423–1437. doi: 10.1007/s00484-016-1134-y

Yordanova M., Gerasimova N. (2015). Effect of mulching on weed infestation and yield of beetroot ( Beta vulgaris ssp. rapaceae atrorubra Krass). Org. Agric . (2), 133–138. doi: 10.1007/s13165-015-0122-6

Yu Y. Y., Turner N. C., Gong Y. H., Li F. M., Fang C., Ge L. J., et al. (2018). Benefits and limitations to straw-and plastic-film mulch on maize yield and water use efficiency: A meta-analysis across hydrothermal gradients. Eur. J. Agron. 99, 138–147. doi: 10.1016/j.eja.2018.07.005

Zhao H., Wang R. Y., Ma B. L., Xiong Y. C., Qiang S. C., Wang C. L., et al. (2014). Ridge-furrow with full plastic film mulching improves water use efficiency and tuber yields of potato in a semiarid rainfed ecosystem. Field Crops Res. 161, 137–148. doi: 10.1016/j.fcr.2014.02.013

Zhao Z. Y., Wang P. Y., Xiong X. B., Wang Y. B., Zhou R., Tao H. Y., et al. (2022). Environmental risk of multi-year polythene film mulching and its green solution in arid irrigation region. J. Hazard. Mater. 435, 128981. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128981

Zhao H., Xiong Y. C., Li F. M., Wang R. Y., Qiang S. C., Yao T. F., et al. (2012). Plastic film mulch for half growing-season maximized WUE and yield of potato via moisture-temperature improvement in a semi-arid agroecosystem. Agric. Water Manage. 104, 68–78. doi: 10.1016/j.agwat.2011.11.016

Zheng Y., Sun X., Li S., Zhou W., Fan Z., Du T., et al. (2022). Soil erodibility after the removal of wood chip mulch: A wind tunnel experiment. J. Soil Water Conserv. 77, 493–500. doi: 10.2489/jswc.2022.00125

Zhou Z., Zeng X., Chen K., Li Z., Guo S., Shangguan Y., et al. (2019). Long-term straw mulch effects on crop yields and soil organic carbon fractions at different depths under a no-till system on the Chengdu Plain, China. J. Soils Sediments 19, 2143–2152. doi: 10.1007/s11368-018-02234-x

Zribi W., Aragüés R., Medina E., Faci J. M. (2015). Efficiency of inorganic and organic mulching materials for soil evaporation control. Soil Tillage Res. 148, 40–45. doi: 10.1016/j.still.2014.12.003

Keywords: soil-water conservation, organic matter, mulch, soil moisture, dry land

Citation: Demo AH and Asefa Bogale G (2024) Enhancing crop yield and conserving soil moisture through mulching practices in dryland agriculture. Front. Agron. 6:1361697. doi: 10.3389/fagro.2024.1361697

Received: 26 December 2023; Accepted: 11 March 2024; Published: 27 March 2024.

Reviewed by:

Copyright © 2024 Demo and Asefa Bogale. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

*Correspondence: Addis Hailu Demo, [email protected]

This article is part of the Research Topic

Methods in Climate-Smart Agronomy

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• farmers.gov
• State Offices
• Wildlife Habitat
• Invasive Species and Pests
• State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill.
• Conservation by State Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources.
• State Offices Find contact information for your state office location and employees.

Soil Science

NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil.

• Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation.
• Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov).
• Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority.
• Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS.
• Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score.
• Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs.
• Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions.
• How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance.
• Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state.
• Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year.
• Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws.
• Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act.
• Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike.
• Underserved Communities Farm Bill special provisions provide incentives and address unique circumstances of historically underserved producers.
• Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients.
• Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations.
• Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation.

Conservation Technical Assistance

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)  provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future.

• Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns.
• Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs.
• Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies.
• Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level.
• Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation.
• Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices.
• Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation banks for ag producers.
• Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality.
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations.
• Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses.
• Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands.
• Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species.
• Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches.
• Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters.
• Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns.
• Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards.
• Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife.
• Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land.
• High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season.
• On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan.
• Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. 

• Field Office Technical Guides
• Conservation Practice Standards
• How to Get a DUNS Number
• National Soil Survey Handbook
• Keys to Soil Taxonomy
• Soil Survey Manual
• Soil Taxonomy
• Technical Soil Services Handbook
• Web Soil Survey
• PLANTS Database
• RCA Dataviewer
• Soil Texture Calculator
• Official Soil Series Descriptions
• SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata
• Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP)
• What is Soil?
• State Soils
• Soil Colors
• Soil Formation and Classification
• WIN-PST WIN-PST is an environmental risk screening tool for pesticides.
• WinTR-20 Download WinTR-20 Tool
• WinTR-55 Download WinTR-55 Tool

Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG)

Technical guides are the primary scientific references for NRCS. They contain technical information about the conservation of soil, water, air, and related plant and animal resources.

Applications for USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Grants Due April 9

Emerging Findings on the Effects of Cover Crops on Grassland Birds

• Find a Service Center Access local services provided by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
• Find An Employee Looking for a particular employee of NRCS? Find them in the USDA Employee Directory.
• State Office Contacts Our State Offices Directory provides contact information for NRCS State Office Representatives.
• NRCS Careers Looking for a career that can make a difference? Find information about NRCS career opportunities.
• National Information and Centers Find information about NRCS National Programs and Centers.

Soil Health Literature

Literature compiled from peer-reviewed papers relating to the impact of conservation practices on soil properties important for soil health.

These files are compiled from peer-reviewed papers relating to the impact of conservation practices on soil physical and chemical properties important for soil health, as summarized by our soil health specialists. Please note that the peer-reviewed papers and conservation practices included are not exhaustive and will be added to periodically. While the literature review currently primarily focuses on soil physical and chemical properties and cropland, soil biological properties and economics and other land uses will be included in future revisions.

Summaries of Soil Health Literature

Practice effects, programs, etc., filterable soil health literature listings.

Soils and Science and Technology for Soil Health SharePoint  - USDA employees and others with USDA Active Directory accounts have full access to reprints of peer-reviewed papers and the interactive database matrix, summaries, and citations.

"The Science Behind Healthy Soil: NRCS' Soil Health Literature Review Project"  - Webinar, presented January 13, 2015, and designed primarily for USDA employees, covers how to use the Science, Soils & Technology for Soil Health SharePoint site, and is available on-demand. (requires no-cost registration at the Science and Technology Training Library).

[Research advance on quantitative assessment methods of ecosystem water conservation service functions]

Affiliations.

• 1 Central South University of Forestry and Technology, Changsha 410004, China.
• 2 Center for Satellite Application on Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100094, China.
• PMID: 38511465
• DOI: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.202401.022

Abstract in English, Chinese

The water conservation service function, which is one of the most important ecological service function in the regional system, directly reflects the regulation role of a region in precipitation, the redistribution function of precipitation, and the ecohydrological value. With the development of the comprehensive evaluation method and the deepening of research on water conservation service function, relevant evaluation calculation process has changed significantly. Nowadays, in the assessment of the water conservation service function, it is necessary not only to calculate and evaluate relevant indicators, but also to localize specific parameters in the model and analyze the effectiveness of the overall model for specific study areas. However, the current literature review lacks systematic summaries of model evaluation methods. Meanwhile, the review is also insufficient on model validity verification and significance analysis methods, the result verification and applicability analysis methods such as parameter localization in water conservation studies. We reviewed the research advance on typical ecosystem water conservation ser-vice assessment methods with a specific focus on the model assessment methods that have developed rapidly in recent years. At the same time, we summarized methods commonly used for parameter localization, as well as validity testing and sensitivity analysis of simulation results, and discussed existing problems and future directions in this field.

生态系统水源涵养服务功能可以直观地反映区域对降水的调节作用和对降水的重新分配功能及生态水文价值,是区域系统中至关重要的生态服务功能之一。随着模型综合评估方法的发展和水源涵养服务功能研究的不断深入,相关评估计算流程也发生了明显变化。如今,在进行水源涵养服务功能评估时,不仅需要计算和评估相关的指标,还需要对特定参数进行本地化和对模型进行有效性分析,以更好地适用于具体的研究区域。然而,当前综述文献普遍缺乏对模型评估方法的系统性汇总,同时,缺少关于水源涵养研究的模型有效性验证和显著性分析方法、参数本地化等结果验证及适用性分析方法的综述性文献。本文梳理了典型的生态系统水源涵养服务功能评估方法的研究进展,并重点介绍近年来发展迅速的模型评估法。同时,汇总了目前该领域研究中常见的参数本地化方法、模拟结果的有效性检验方法和敏感性分析方法,并探讨了当前研究存在的问题和未来发展方向。.

Keywords: model; parameter localization; sensitivity analysis; significance test; water conservation; water conservation service function.

Publication types

• English Abstract
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• Conservation of Water Resources*
• Forecasting